Lot 90
  • 90

A Dutch Transitional satinwood and rosewood marquetry secrétaire à abattant in the manner of Matthijs Horrix (1735-1809), The Hague, circa 1775

Estimate
2,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description

  • Satinwood, rosewood, oak
  • 134cm. high, 85cm. wide, 42cm. deep; 4ft. 4¾in., 2ft. 9½in., 1ft. 4½in.
the moulded marble top above a fall-front inlaid with musical trophy opening to an interior fitted with two shelves and seven drawers, the lower part with two doors enclosing a compartment with one shelf, on shaped apron and short cabriole legs; some losses

Provenance

Acquired before 1946

Condition

In overall good condition, with minor marks and scratches consistent with age and use, and some losses to the veneer, in particular on the moulded border of the upper part and on the centre of the marquetry panel. The fall-front's key escutcheon is slightly loose but secure. All escutcheons are tarnished. The interior with a possibly original tooled leather writing surface in distressed condition; the veneer surround with marks and scratches, ink stains and some losses, most notably to the left side and in correspondence of the lock. The pair of doors with one vertical shrinking crack each. Both sides with shrinking cracks, the right one with one long vertical shrinking crack that has provoked some secure lifting to the floral marquetry inlays. The front-left foot with cast bronze sabot missing.
"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

Matthijs Horrix (1735-1809) became Meester Kabinetwerker in The Hague in 1764, quickly becoming the principal supplier of furniture to the Stadthouder's Court between 1767 and 1795. His oeuvre betrays influences that are both English and French, evident from the use of exotic veneer or lacquer panels, and from the design of the piece - in this case, a typically Transitional one.