Denis-Désiré and Onésime Guéret, known as Guéret Frères

executed in Paris
ebonised fruitwood, composite, ivory

Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Paris, 1989, pp. 248
Camille Mestdagh, L'Ameublement d'art Français 1850-1900, Paris, 2000, pp. 160-61, 170
Christopher Payne, European Furniture of the 19th Century, Woodbridge, 2012, pp. 39 for information on the makers

Overall in good condition. Each cabinet with two glazed cupboard doors opening to reveal two adjustable shelves above two frieze drawers with two further carved cupboard doors opening to reveal adjustable shelves. Each cabinet is applied with highly decorative composite carving including: Chimera, Vestal Virgins, Lion Masks, Caryatids, Putti and profile cameos of historical figures including Byron, Socrates, Victor Hugo and Shakespeare amongst others. On one cabinet to the right hand side above the caryatid the grotesque mask has some minor losses and chips to its legs and snake head. The same cabinet has a small loss to the acanthus craved moulding below the right glazed door and a loss to the back left return of the upper moulded frieze, also with a minute loss to the left hand capital above the columnar support. The carved surround to the central ivorine mask is a later replacement. The other cabinet has three losses to the back right return of the upper moulded frieze and the left hand capital has a minor chip. There are some other minor old marks and scratches throughout which are commensurate 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The firm known as Guerét Fréres was established in Paris circa 1853 and from 1867 was known as Guerét Jeune et Cie. active to the 1880s. They exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1855, 1867 and 1878 specialising in all types of furniture in the traditional Louis XV and XVI style but also excelling with historical revival pieces, such as the present lot with its neo-renaissance outline. A finely carved cabinet by Guerét Fréres is in the permanent collection of the V&A, London (W. 17-1980).

Several drawings and rendering of their oeuvres are kept in the permanent collection of the Musee des Arts decoratifs, Paris.

“The brothers are outstanding for their good taste and the richness of their ornamentation” Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1878