Émile Gallé

Jean Bourgogne, grandson of Emile Gallé
Ader-Nordmann, Paris, Succession de Jean Bourgogne, unique petit-fils d'Emile Gallé, March 20, 2009, lot 82
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha, Gallé Furniture, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2012, p. 129 (for the present lot illustrated)

Good overall condition. The woods used to execute the cabinet display with figuring and highly saturated color palette, slightly darker than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The wooden surfaces have been refinished, and present with some light surface scratches, minor abrasions, light surface soiling and minor discolorations commensurate with age and use. The top presents with a beautiful and intricate marquetry, with three minor areas of restoration to the right, left and middle back edge of the top, that are evidence of a previous upper part, today missing. The top with some minor drying cracks to the wood, that have been stabilized. The front door of the cabinet presents with a remarkable marquetry, which presents with light dryness of the woods and four minor areas of losses, concentrated to the proper left corner and visible in the catalogue illustration. The mid shelves on each side of the cabinet are executed in two different wood and decorated with a delicate marquetry motif, as visible in the catalogue illustration. The patinated bronze surfaces present with some light surface scratches and minor abrasions consistent with age and gentle use. The interior of the cabinet with an upper drawer and a mid-shelf. The interior presents with surface dirt from use. The cabinet is sold with a later key. A masterwork by Emile Galle, displaying superb scale and wonderful marquetry, with a great provenance.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.