Léo Fontan For Ateliers Martine

engraved gilt wood and marble top
Signed Leo Fontan and dated 1923 lower left

Personal collection of Léo Fontan
Private collection, given as a gift by the artist to the present owner

Alastair Duncan, Mobilier Art Déco, London, 2000, n. 160 for a related example decorated

For a related example decorated by Mario Simon :
Les Arts de la Maison, Autumn 1923, pl. XIII 
Léon Moussinac, Art et Décoration, July-December 1924, p. 38
Pierre Olmer, Le Mobilier français d'aujourd'hui (1910-1925), Paris, 1926, pl. XXXI
Martin Battersby, The Decorative Twenties, London, 1969, n. 136
Yvonne Deslandres, Poiret, Paris, 1986, p. 288

Very good condition overall, consistent with age and gentle use. Scattered areas of scuffs, scratches and rubbing throughout. Wear to the gilding on area on the lower drawer above the escutchion measuring approximately 8 x 5 cm, an area on the upper drawer, right hand side approximately 8 x 3 cm and an area near the escutcheon on the upper drawer approximately 2x1. Wear to the gilding to the lower front apron and front feet. Minor chips concentrated to the front left and right edges of the commode. A few minor cracks on the left hand side of the cabinet running vertically from the top, the longest approximately 10 cm. A few minor cracks on the right hand side of the cabinet, the longest approximately 30cm running vertically from behind the front right leg. Minor seam separations to the joins between the drawers as visible in the catalogues. A minor chip to the rear right corner of the marble top, approximately 1 x 2cm, with a few minor scuffs and scratches to the top.
"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."