Maison Mottheau & fils fl. 1890 A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted mahogany, sycamore and fruitwood marquetry center table Paris, late 19th century, in the manner of Jean-Henri Riesener

surmounted by an inset vert de Maurin marble top, fitted with a long drawer, a few bronze mounts have been removed to reveal the mark EM

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. The marble with the usual minor chips to edges, scratches to surface consistent with age and use
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.

The present table de salon is a variation of the highly celebrated model, also called the "table des Muses," with an elaborate marquetry top representing mythological figures of Urania and Calliope, with respective implements of astronomy and poetry, is a copy of the table supplied in 1771 for King Louis XVI's garde meuble.  Made at a cost of 6,000 livres, it was commissioned by Pierre-Elisabeth de Fontanieu, Intendant et Contrôleur général des Meubles de la Couronne from 1767-83. The cabinet work was made by Jean-Henri Riesener, maître in 1768, fournisseur du Garde Meuble de la Couronne from 1774 to 1784. The original is now in the permanent collection of the Musée de Versailles (inv. T510c), on display at the Petit Trianon (see G. van der Kemp, Versailles , London, 1978, p. 230). This popular model was made by Beurdeley, as well as Dasson and also by François Linke, under index number 251.