Lot 49
  • 49

Rare secrétaire à abattant en acajou flammé et monture de bronze doré de la fin de l'époque Louis XVI, vers 1790, estampillé B. MOLITOR

Estimate
150,000 - 300,000 EUR
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Description

  • Haut. 144,5 cm, larg. 97 cm, prof. 43 cm
  • Height 56 3/4 in; width 38 1/4 in; depth 17 in
la façade à décor de palmettes, rinceaux et griffons affrontés, ouvrant à un tiroir, un abattant découvrant trois casiers et huit tiroirs, et à deux vantaux découvrant un casier, un coffre et deux tiroirs ; les montants en colonnes détachées ornées de feuilles de lierre et sommées de chapiteaux en feuilles de lotus, terminés par des pieds toupie ; dessus de marbre rouge griotte

Provenance

- Peut-être Antoine-César, duc de Choiseul-Praslin (1756-1808), dans son hôtel particulier de la rue de Grenelle
- Ancienne collection du marquis Guy de Tulle de Villefranche au château de Villarceaux, Ile-de-France
- Vente à Paris, Crédit Municipal, le 26 novembre 1970, lot 17
- Galerie Aveline - Jean-Marie Rossi, Paris

Exhibited

Trésors des Collections Privées, Les Chefs d'oeuvre du Mobilier français, 7-15 mars 1998, galerie Charpentier, Paris

Literature

- P. Guth, "La carrière brisée d'un ébéniste d'avant-garde : Molitor" in Connaissance des Arts n°64, juin 1957 (reproduit)
- Les Ebénistes français du XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 1965, p. 318 (reproduit)
- D. Ledoux-Lebard, Les Ebénistes français du XIXe siècle, Paris, p. 489 (reproduit)
- A. Pradère, Les Ebénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution, Paris, 1986, p. 426 (reproduit)
- U. Leben, Molitor, Saint-Rémy-en-l'Eau, 1992, p.133 (reproduit)
- Jean-Marie Rossi, 45 ans de passion, Paris, 2000, p. 30 (reproduit)

Condition

Illustration is quite accurate. Very attractive model in good condition. Impressive quality of fabrication and gilt bronze mounts. The veneer with a fine timber of flamed mahogany. The front with a vertical crack and an horizontal crack on the right side. The two doors below also with a vertical crack. All have been previously (well) restored but bear trace of these intervention. The mounts are of really good quality with attractive and unusual design. The chasing is really good and delicate. Good colour of the gilding. A small piece of gilt bronze ivy branch is missing on the right column (at the middle). The inside in good condition. The leather with expected marks and scratches and ink spots. The marble top with minor chips particularly to the edges. Please note that both the commode (lot 48) and the secrétaire have later metal feet which support the structure. They can be removed but such work needs to be done by a professional restorer. Very attractive model, top quality and prestigious provenance. To recommend. Please note that this lot is classified as a Historical Monument, and its circulation is subject to particular restrictions. For further information, please refer to the "Historical Monuments" section in the Important information for buyers at the back of the catalogue. The buyer's identity and contact details shall be communicated to the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
"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

Veuillez noter que ce lot fait l’objet d’un classement au titre des Monuments Historiques, et est notamment soumis à des restrictions quant à sa circulation. A cet égard, veuillez vous référer à la section « Monuments Historiques » dans les Informations importantes destinées aux acheteurs en fin de catalogue.
L’identité et les coordonnées de l’acquéreur seront communiquées au Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, conformément aux textes applicables.

Please note that this lot is classified as a Historical Monument, and its circulation is subject to particular restrictions. For further information, please refer to the "Historical Monuments" section in the Important information for buyers at the back of the catalogue.
The buyer’s identity and contact details shall be communicated to the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, in accordance with the relevant legislation.