French School

mahogany, gilt bronze, cane

Sotheby's Monaco, Arts Décoratifs du XX^e Siècle, 21 April 1991, lot 345

A rare and striking piece of good overall appearance. Piece has been repolished and has a mid brown patina, darker than the illustration suggests. Old marks and scratches to the patina in places, particularly to right side seat rail and side of right front leg. Wear to the gilded finish of the bronze mounts. Lily pad to top rail slightly loose. Cane seat torn. Minor seperation to the joints where the two 'ears' of the back join the top rail. An elegant model which would benefit from some attention.
"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."

This chair 'aux nénuphars' has traditionally been attributed to the work of Louis Majorelle. However other examples of this model cannot be found in contemporary photographs of his work and recent research suggests that the chair was not designed by Majorelle but possibly by a Parisian cabinetmaker. What is known is that Majorelle's designs were so successful and influential during his lifetime that other firms soon began to copy his designs and forms to a certain extent.

Sotheby's would like to thank Professor Roselyne Bouvier for her assistance with cataloguing this lot.