Gallé and Eugène Gaillard

mahogany with suede upholstery, the sofa with inlaid marquetry butterfly, pâte de verre cabochons

Agora, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 23 April, 2003, lot number unknown
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Art et Industrie, September, 1909, n.p. for a period illustration of the settee and chair in situ at the Exposition Internationale de l'Est de la France, Nancy, 1909
Philippe Garner, Emile Gallé, London, 1976, p. 82 for an illustration of a relatable vitrine
Françoise-Thérèse Charpentier, Philippe Thibault, eds, Gallé, exh. cat., 29 November 1985 - 2 February 1986, Paris, 1985, p. 284 for an illustration of a relatable vitrine
François Baudot, "La Caverne de Roberto Polo", Elle Decoration, France, no. 175, December, 2006, pp. 134, 138, illustrated
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, pp. 350-353, suite illustrated

Overall very good condition consistent with age and gentle use. Minor scattered scuffs and age related hairlines to the frames, concentrated to the bottom of the feet and rear of the backrest. The sofa and armchairs have been reupholstered and present very well overall. The sofa with scattered hairlines along the backrest which appear stable, the longest approximately 6 cm running diagonally. The marquetry butterfly has had an older repair covering an area approximately 4 x 2 cm. Each chair with a hairline radiating from the lower left and lower right proper of the backrest to the rear of the seats and appear stable with traces of glue from an older repair. A stunning and important suite that presents beautifully.
"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."

This suite from Gallé, exhibited at the Exposition Internationale de l'Est de la France, Nancy in 1909, echoes four pieces commissioned by the magistrate Henry Hirsch in 1897 and delivered by cabinetmaker Eugène Gaillard circa 1910-1911 following the death of Gallé in 1904. These pieces included the ‘Libellules’ vitrine (in the permanent collection of the Musée D’Orsay, accession no. OAO 708), ‘Aube et Crépuscule’ bed, ‘Faune et Flore exotiques’ armoire, and the ‘Nocturne’ commode, of which the vitrine and bed included glass elements, a material rarely applied to Galle’s furniture and seen on the offered lot and following two lots. According to Henry Hirsch’s son Claude (Charpentier, Thibault, op. cit.), furniture for a dining room, office and living room were also ordered, introducing the possibility that the offered lots were included in this grouping.

An original paper label was retained from the original upholstery of one piece from the suite, labelled Envoi de Mory & Cie / Rue St-Vincent de Paul, Paris / M. Diener / Constructeur/ Annecy / En gare Annecy.