A fruitwood, tulipwood, stained sycamore marquetry and pewter inlaid bureau brisée, in the manner of Pierre Gole Louis XIV, circa 1680

the hinged top inlaid with a cartouche with stylised scrolls enclosing floral sprays opening to reveal an interior with seaweed marquetry panelled decoration and three short drawers with a hinged fall-front, above a kneehole door flanked on either side by two short drawers, on eight square tapering legs joined by X-form stretchers on carved giltwood feet, the whole profusely inlaid with floral marquetry

The colours of the marquetry are more vibrant and much more attractive in reality than in the catalogue illustration. Overall some minor surface wear and hairline cracks. Some very minor areas of infill and very minor replacements to marquetry. In overall very good restored condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
A. Pradère, French Furniture Makers, Tours, 1989, p.48.
TH.H. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Pierre Gole ébéniste de Louis XIV, Dijon, 2005, p.193. 

This bureau with its profusely executed floral inlay and pewter dividers between the drawers is typical of the pieces executed by the French ébéniste Pierre Gole (c.1620-84). The first record of this type of bureau to be delivered to the French Court appeared in 1669 in the Menus Plaisirs accounts and was made by Pierre Gole, (received Master before 1656), who can be credited with being the inventor of bureau of this form. Lunsingh Scheurleer, op. cit., p.193, illustrates a related bureau on eight legs with similar marquetry inlay and the pewter banding between the drawers. 

The term 'bureau mazarin' refers to a type of desk that was supposedly first commissioned by Cardinal Mazarin and often executed by Pierre Gole (1620-1684) in floral marquetry. The present bureau is a perfect example of these very first models with the added feature of a rising superstructure making it a `bureau brisée'. However, soon Boulle marquetry inlay of brass, pewter and tortoiseshell became more fashionable.

Pierre Gole was born in Holland and settled at a young age in Paris where his career flourished and numerous pieces were commissioned from him by Louis XIV. Concentrating on floral marquetry he introduced these more Northern influences to the French decorative arts repertoire, which is reflected in the present bureau.

It is worthwhile comparing the following related pieces sold at auction:
-a bureau brisée in the manner of Gole, sold from a Private European Residence, in these Rooms, 3rd March 2006, lot 287
-a bureau brisée formerly belonging to the late Sir Arthur Gilbert attributed to Pierre Gole, on an associated base, sold as lot 333, Christie's, New York, 21st October 2005
-a bureau mazarin offered for sale in these Rooms as lot 75, 12th March 1997, lot 184, sold from the Estate of the late Princess Pio de Savoia, in these Rooms, 15th December 1999
-a bureau mazarin, sold as lot 435, Christie's, New York, 17th-18th May 2005.