Louis Majorelle

Sotheby Parke Bernet New York, June 19, 1979, lot 481
Private Collection, California
Christie's New York, March 24, 1990, lot 126
Acquired from the above by the present owner

M. D. Hofmann, "Emile Gallé und Louis Majorelle, unbekannte, Arbeiten und stilistische Bemerkungen, ein Beitrag zur Ecole de Nancy," Kunst in Hessen und im Mittelrhein, vol. 8, 1968, p. 73
Laurence Buffet-Challie, Le Modern Style, Paris, 1982, p. 27, ill. no. 3 (for the bed and oneend table with other pieces from the commission)
Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons 1895-1914, vol. III: Furniture, Woodbridge, 1996, p. 377 (for a photograph published in 1898 of the coiffeuse from the original commission)

Overall good condition with rich warm tones and good contrast in the marquetry. This bed currently presents with an apparent later finish. Some minor losses to veneer and scattered minor surface scratches and nicks to the leg, outer edges of the headboard and footboard, and the side panels, all consistent with age and gentle use. The frame with minor occasional lifting and age cracks to the wood, which appears to have been professionally stabilized likely at the time of the later finish, evident particularly to the headboard at the point where the mattress would sit as result of use. A few of minor scattered of areas of restoration, especially concentrated to the top edge of one of the side rails. The interior measurement of the frame is 57 ½ inches wide by 78 inches long. This frame accommodates a full/double size mattress. A well-proportioned piece with unusual and delicately executed marquetry motifs.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This bed and one of the end tables offered in the previous lot, were designed in 1899 as part of an extensive nuptial suite that also comprised an armoire vitrine, coiffeuse, pair of armchairs, and pair of side chairs.  The richly inlaid pieces would have been produced in small numbers, with varied marquetry designs.