Louis Majorelle

Maîtres Albinet et Néret-Minet, Paris, June 21, 1978
Jean-Claude Brugnot, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1983-1984

Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1900

Albert Quantin, L'Exposition du Siècle, Paris, 1900, p. 98 
Théodore Lambert, Meubles de Style Moderne: Exposition Universelle à Paris de 1900, Paris, 1900, pl. 1, cat. 4
G. M. Jacques, "Le Meuble Français à l'Exposition," L'Art Décoratif, July 1900, p. 144
Gustave Soulier, "L'Ameublement à l'Exposition," Art et Décoration, July-December 1900, p. 38 (for the present lot illustrated) Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à Paris, Rapports du Jury International, Groupe XII, Paris, 1902, p. 126 (for a description of the bedroom suite by Pol Neveux) Alastair Duncan, Art Nouveau Furniture, New York, 1982, pl. 16
Marie-Christine Delacroix, "Le Mobilier Majorelle," L'Estampille, September 1978, p. 18
Alastair Duncan, Fin de Siècle Masterpieces from the Silverman Collection, New York, 1989, pp. 88-89, cat. no. 48
Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons 1895-1914, Volume III: Furniture, Suffolk, United Kingdom, 1996, pp. 3, 25 and 380
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle: Master of Art Nouveau Design, London, 1991, pl. 68, 82 and p. 111 (for the present lot illustrated)
Roselyne Bouvier, Majorelle: Une Aventure Moderne, Paris, 1991, pp. 153 and 164

Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the woods present with rich figuring in wide range of richly nuanced colors. The interior of the bed frame with an old paper label. The wood surfaces have been sensitively refinished and present with some surface scratches, edge abrasions and recessed dirt to the recessed areas consistent with age and gentle use. With minor seam seperations as expected with age, and does not impact the stability of the work. The interior of the frame with surface staining, not visible when the bed is installed. The head board is beautifully carved with delicate orchids. Two of the orchids, one on each side of the headboard with minor restorations to the extremity of the pistils, only visible upon close inspection. The proper right interior front corner of the bed with a minor loss to the wood at the edge of the curl, along approximately 3/8 in. and not visually distractive. The reverse of the head board with some old worm holes to the lower half. The marquetry is enhanced by delicate inlays of mother of pearl and copper, in good condition. With a few minor losses to the copper, one at the end of the proper right upper leaf and the other at the proper left second arrow from the bottom, not visually distracting. A masterpiece by Majorelle, that epitomizes his talent as an Art Nouveau master and as a great cabinet maker. -----
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.