- 377
A Transitional gilt-bronze mounted tulipwood and fruitwood marquetry petit-commode by Guillaume Kemp, circa 1770
Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description
- Marble, tulipwood, fruitwood
- 83cm. high, 83cm. wide, 51cm. deep; 2ft. 8¾in., 2ft. 8¾in., 1ft. 8in.
the later eared rectangular moulded marble top above two drawers sans traverse centred by an oval medallion with military trophies, with shaped apron, on cabriole legs with sabots; stamped G KEMP JME, with ink inscription MNLP avec le marbre
Provenance
Most probably purchased by Arthur Hill-Trevor, 3rd Viscount Dungannon (1798 – 1862) for 3, Grafton Street, London;
Moved to Brynkinalt Hall, Denbighshire following his death and thence by descent.
Moved to Brynkinalt Hall, Denbighshire following his death and thence by descent.
Condition
This commode is in good condition. The bronzes have been overpainted, although this can easily be remedied. The excellent marquetry is in very good condition, with the exception of two shrinking cracks on either side. Ready to place.
"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."
"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
Originally from Bonn, Germany, Guillaume Kemp (maître 1764) was active in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine from the late 1750s. His production is predominantly in the Transitional and Louis XVI styles, and he specialised in marquetry of a consistently high quality - he is known to have supplied several panels to the ébéniste du roi Benneman - characterised by regular geometrical motifs, and central, oval bouquets, paniers, or military trophies.
The marquetry medallion on the present piece was a particular favourite of Kemp, who reproduced it on several commodes, including the one formerly in the Espirito Santo Collection and one other sold Christie's London, 8 December 2011, lot 36 (£109,250).