Art Nouveau Fire Surround

Sotheby's London, November 4, 1994, lot 265
Collection of Benedict Silverman, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons 1895-1914, Volume III: Furniture, Suffolk, United Kingdom, 1996, p. 504 (for a related fire surround designed by Xavier Schoellkopf, 1902)

Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the color of the wood is slightly warmer and less orange than in the catalogue illustration. The wood surfaces have been revarnished at some point in the history of the piece and present with a few surface scratches, minor abrasions, light surface dirt and a few small areas of discoloration consistent with age and gentle use. The wood with some age separation to the grain and with movement to the seams, these areas have been stabilized and touched in to match the original color of the wood. Some of the seams visible in the catalogue illustration. The face with small splice repair to the tip of the nose, only visible upon close inspection. The proper left side of the top with a few old worm holes, stable. Overall a very impressive fire surround, with strong presence when viewed in person, and a great example of Art Nouveau decorative art.
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.

Two related glazed earthenware fire surrounds by Jean-Désiré Muller, with similar stylized figures breathing upon the fire, are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, New York (2010.406a–c) and the Musée Royaux des Beaux Arts de Belgique, Bruxelles (Inv. GC 150).