Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan and Maison Alphonse Giroux & Cie

stained lindenwood, rouge de campan rubané marble 

Denise Ledoux-Lebard, 'Le Mobilier Francais du XIX Siecle, Dictionnaire des Ebénistes et des Menuisiers' Paris, 1984, pp. 594-598
Camille Mestdagh, L'Ameublement d'art Français 1850-1900, Paris, 2000, p. 71
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, pp. 158-161, illustrated
Christopher Payne, European Furniture of the 19th Century, Woodbridge, 2012, p. 45 for information on Tahan
Victor Charles, '1000 Masterpieces of Decorative Art', Belgium, 2014, pp. 297
Claudio Paolini ed., Il bello "Ritrovato", Gusto, ambienti, mobili dell'Ottocento, Novare, De Agostini, Istituto Geografico, 1990, p. 309 for the related Alphonse Giroux secrétaire at Compiègne 

In overall very good condition and grand presentation. The carving is to the up most quality and rendering. Not stated in the description, the viewer can be amazed by the cornucopia of animals and plants. Very cleverly placed by the sculptor there are bees, butterflies, beetles, snails, lizards, mice, flies and birds - as if the cabinet was a rendition of spring awakening. The marble top with the usual light scratches consistent with age and placing objects. To the stage left hand one can notice old repaired cracks. the cabinet with the usual old marks scratches and chips consistent with age and use, but no noticeable losses or breaks. The cupboard doors opening to reveal one adjustable shelf. Beneath each door one can notice a bunch of grapes each with a 1cm. approx loss to the stem. Visible seems of construction and dust to crevices.
"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."

Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1813-1892) exhibited at all Universal exhibitions from 1847 to 1867. Through his high quality and innovative design he was noticed by Empress Eugenie (1826 – 1920) who promoted him to Garde Meuble Imperial of Napoléon III (1808 – 1873) a position he held for many years.

The present meuble à hauteur d’appui (side-cabinet) is a tour de force of sculpture and design, cleverly leading the viewer to contemplate allegories of autumn and even referring to the wine harvest and the mythology surrounding Dionysus. The cabinet with it entwined fruiting vines, birds at play and masterfully carved insects discreetly placed throughout the cabinet, closely relates to an exceptional aviary with entwined branches and birds exhibited in the Exposition Universelle de Paris in 1855.

A large intricately and finely carved armoire by Tahan (1813-1892) with similar birds to the present cabinet was in the collection of the Comte and Comtesse de Noailles, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France.