Live Auction: 4 November 2020 • 2:30 PM CET • Paris

L’Exigence d’un collectionneur, sa vision du XVIIIe siècle 4 November 2020 • 2:30 PM CET • Paris

T his elegant, refined, and precise collection demonstrates a certain penchant for creations which pay tribute to the craftsman’s skill and ingenuity without ostentation.

This connoisseur knew how to spot in auctions the artifacts that would enrich his collection. The furniture and objects chosen with discernment were the result of a slow reflection bereft of compulsive buying.

The entirety evokes a definite inclination, distinct yet benevolent. There is no desire to dazzle, but rather a serene invitation to share a deep passion with those who understand and appreciate it.


Featured Highlights

A rare pair of Louis XV gilt-bronze candelabra
It is precisely from 1745-1749 that we should date these Louis XV candelabra, which are as if in movement, ethereal and swirling, at once imposing and very light, lightness that is accentuated by the openwork base. A remarkable perception of space would have been necessary in order to imagine and then actually create these objects in three dimensions.

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A pair of Louis XV gilt-bronze mounted Meissen porcelain seaux à bouteille, circa 1750
On the Meissen porcelain glass coolers, bronze is used as an accessory; it both embellishes and protects the object. The bronze mounts on these coolers are perfectly matched with the precious quality of the porcelain. They protect the edges of the rim while making it easier to hold by the addition of foliage-decorated handles.

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A Louis XVI gilt-bronze wall appliques.
The Louis XVI wall lights, in spite of their apparent simplicity, were in fact chosen as the model to illustrate the trademark label used for Lannuier’s “Au Prince de Condé”.

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This collection features beautiful tapestries dating from the early 16th century to the middle of the 18th century.

An Important Discovery of a Louis XVI Cabinet’s Provenance

The cabinet is possibly described in the sale of Mr Robit on 11 May 1801, lot 337 : « Un meuble à hauteur d’appui, ouvrant à un battant, dont le milieu, de laque noir, offre un vase rempli de fleurs en or de relief, avec encadrements de moulures et pilastres sur les angles ; les panneaux de retour aussi en laque, enrichis d’une corniche de divers ornemens et à rebords, avec dessus en marbre lumachelle ». The description of the auction catalogue could correspond to the lacquer cabinet.

A LOUIS XVI GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED JAPANESE LACQUER AND EBONY CABINET, STAMPED N. PETIT ET JME

Mr Robit was a celebrated amateur and collector in Paris. The catalogue describes an important collection of paintings, sculpture, mounted porcelains and furniture, amongst them some Boulle pieces.

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