- 126
Carlo Bugatti
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A rare desk and chair, circa 1902
- reverse of seat back signed 'Bugatti'
- walnut, copper, pewter, vellum
- desk: 136cm. high by 70cm. wide by 58cm. deep;
- 4ft 5½in., 2ft 3½in., 1ft 10¾in.
walnut, vellum, inlaid with brass and pewter, the rear superstructure with an extended upright, with two small drawers flanking a void, the frieze drawer above shaped supports joined by a stretcher, the writing inset, chair seat and back decorated with stylised foliage and birds
Literature
Philippe Dejean, Carlo-Rembrandt-Ettore-Jean Bugatti, New York, 1982, p. 88
Marie-Madeleine Massé, Carlo Bugatti au Musée d'Orsay', Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris, 2001, p. 91
Condition
A rare model by this sought after designer of good overall appearance. With a slightly warmer tone than the illustration suggests. Both pieces have been repolished and undergone some restoration. The vellum is repainted to areas, such as to the writing insert, and has been varnished. Two rips to rear of writing insert have been partially hidden and reinforced by a later stamped brass banding. One finial to rear gallery detached. Tassells later.
"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
A desk and chair of this model, with the signature to the reverse of the seat back as also seen in the current lot, was exhibited at the Turin International Exhibition of 1902. They are both illustrated in a contemporary Bugatti commercial catalogue seen in Massé (op. cit.), listed as model numbers 420 and 423.
A closely comparable desk, without the accompanying chair, is in the permanent collection of the Musée d'Orsay, Paris (n°142308).