Louis Majorelle

"Notre programme," Art & Industrie, 1909
Majorelle-Nancy, Décoration d'intérieurs, Majorelle catalogue, Nancy, circa 1901-1906
Edith Mannoni, Meubles et ensembles style 1900, Paris, 1968, pp. 49, 59
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle, Master of Art Nouveau Design, New York, 1991, no. 46 and pp. 165, 168
L'école de Nancy, 1889-1909, Art Nouveau et industries d'art, exh. cat., Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nancy, 1999, p. 162
Paul Greenhalgh, Art Nouveau 1890-1914, London, 2000, p. 44

Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the desk presents with great scale. The wood surfaces have been revarnished at some point in the history of the piece and present with some surface scratches, edge abrasions, a few discolorations and surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The rosewood veneered top and sides present with a few creases consistent with the aging of the wood, and a minor lifting to the veneer at the proper right upper corner of the back. A few hairline cracks to the mahogany, notably to the proper left side of the upper back edge of the desk, along the proper right back leg and along the proper left edge of the top, adjacent to the back corner, all appear stable. The tops with several discolorations and circular water stains consistent with use. Minor separation of the joints visible at the back, at the upper part of the proper right side. The proper right front corner of the desk with a crease to the mahogany, stable. The front legs with a few expected minor dents throughout and a few scattered small restorations only visible upon close inspection. Each extremity of the two back feet have been sensitively restored, only visible upon close inspection. The leather top is decorated with a frieze of beetles along the perimeter, and presents with wear, some surface scratches, abrasions and areas of rubbing consistent with use. The gilt bronze with a few surface scratches, minor rubbing and a few minor abrasions consistent with age and gentle handling. The key hole of the proper left upper drawer is missing. The interior of the drawers with a few ink stains and surface soiling from use. With a later key. A very impressive desk by Majorelle from the collection of David Bowie.
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.

Sotheby's would like to thank Roselyne Bouvier for her assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.