A gilt-bronze mounted tulipwood, amaranth and mahogany secrétaire cartonnier, Louis XV, stamped LATZ

the upper section sliding open to reveal eight compartments, above a middle section with a fall-front opening to reveal ten drawers, two compartments and a lectern, above two doors opening to reveal a casket, two drawers and two compartments, on cabriole legs ending in foliate scrolled feet 

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. There are the inevitable dents, marks and scratches due to age and use. There are some chips, liftings and minor losses to the veneer. The upper part of the cornice possibly partly reveneered. The upper part sliding open possibly originally with cardboard boxes. The fall-front was probably originally with a counterweight and has been transformed/restored. The leather of the fall-front had been replaced. The original dead lock of the fall-front had been replaced by a heart-shaped old lock. Some traces of veneer are visible to the inside. The knops of the inside drawers had been replaced but the rosaces are probably original. Please note that there are mahogany secret compartments on the external sides of each drawer. The heart-shaped lock of the lower doors had been also replaced. There are traces of restorations to the oak safe and drawers on the lower part. There are constructions cracks, especially one to the lower left hand side door. Extremely well made secrétaire with some ancient restorations. The secrétaire would benefit from a gentle restoration. Rare model by one of the most important cabinetmakers of Louis XV's reign, Jean-Pierre Latz. Beautiful design and proportions. Very nice quality of the ébénisterie and the marquetry panels.
"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."

Henry Hawley studied and researched the work of the cabinetmaker Jean-Pierre Latz, who is now considered as one of the most important ébénistes active during the reign of Louis XV, (see H. Hawley, "Jean-Pierre Latz, cabinetmaker," in The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Sept. Oct. 1970).

Jean-Pierre Latz (1691 –1754) settled in Paris in 1719 and received the patent d'ébéniste privilégié du roy before 1741, which allowed him to freely exercise his craft without having to obtain his master cabinetmaker status. His main activity was the manufacture of cabinets and cases for clocks, however, several pieces of high quality furniture were appropriately attributed to him by H. Hawley, based on the study and the approximation of the gilt-bronze mounts. Whilst his style is very Rococo with lavish inlays and lively shapes and scrolls, the more symmetrical feel of the marquetry on the present piece points to it belong to the latter part of his oeuvre.