Lot 176
  • 176

Alphonse and Heber Lippmann

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • Grand armoire, circa 1880
  • inscribed A.H.LIPPMANN
  • kingwood, rosewood, gilt-bronze, porcelain, vernis martin
  • 266 x 162 x 57 cm. (104 ¾ x 63 ¾ x 22 ½ in.)
executed in Paris
rosewood, gilt-bronze, porcelain, lacquer, engraved brass inlay

Provenance

With Jean Philippe Hussard, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Literature

Henry Harvard, L'art dans La Maison, Grammaire de l'ameublement, Paris, 1884, p. 7 for a cabinet of identical form with different panel, illustrated
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Paris, 1989, pp. 444 for more information on the maker
Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibition 1851 – 1900, London, 2006, pp. 245 for a Louis XIV style bed and canopy exhibited at the Paris 1878 Exhibition Universelle

Condition

In overall good condition. The gilding to the top cresting is bright and well applied. The lacquer panels with some chips and restored breaks. Notably to the dress of the RH figure and the hair of the left hand female figure. The cupboard doors opening to reveal structure for adjustable shelves. The brass inlaid apron with two opposing diagonal hairline cracks. Minor old marks and scrapes throughout.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The Lippman brothers established their workshop in Paris and flourished in the third quarter of the 19th century. They exhibited at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878 where they received a bronze medal (see Meyer op. cit. pp. 245). It is interesting to note that for the crest of this grand armoire they drew their inspiration from a celebrated model by André-Charles Boulle now in the permanent collection of the Musée du Louvre and by repute from the Duc Daumont collection. Other examples of this model by Lippmann are known but mounted with coromandel lacquer panels; whereas, the present lot is fitted with elaborate panels rendered in relief with gold and black Japanese style lacquer, porcelain and composite elements and fruitwood marquetry.