- 685
A gilt-bronze mounted amaranth, tulipwood, sycamore, stained sycamore, boxwood and ivory marquetry writing table, late Louis XV
Description
- marquetry, boxwood, tulipwood, amaranth, sycamore, gilt-bronze, ivory inlaid
- Haut. 71 cm., long. 55 cm., prof. 36 cm. ; Height 28in., width 21⅔in., depth 14¼in.
Literature
F. J. B. Watson, "The Paris collections of Madame B.", in The Connoisseur. An illustrated magazine for Collectors, London, vol. 155, January-April 1964, p. 2 (ill.)
Condition
"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
The marquetry was inspired by engravings published circa 1775 and are similar to the fishing and hunting trophies of Delafosse, engraved by Tardieu. The diversified ornamental repertoire used here announces the return of the taste for the antique, with elements such as the neoclassical vases on the frieze, combined with the more traditional designs of flowers and foliate scrolls within complex geometric frames. The precision of the marquetry, as well as the neatness of the engravings can be found on a ‘secrétaire à abattant’ stamped Schlichtig, sold Artcurial, Paris, 18 June 2013, lot 183. This ‘secrétaire’ has, as with our table, some ivory inlays which contrast with the adjacent veneer.
It is difficult to formally identify the craftsman who produced the marquetry on our table, but the impeccable technique, as well as the realism of the designs, tend to prove that he was highly specialised and able to provide marquetry panels to the renowned cabinet-makers and marchands-merciers of the time. The names of Louis-Noël Malle, Christopher Wolff, or André Louis Gilbert come to mind and Théodore Dell discussing a table exhibited in the Frick Collection, New York and stamped Malle, suggests that the latter, like his fellow cabinet makers, may have worked with subcontractors who specialised in marquetry panels.