Paul Feher, the design attributed to

matt lacquer, gold paint, the bas relief depicting two female nudes with violins within stylised fauna

A striking screen of good overall appearance. Decoration slightly less yellow in tone than shown in the catalogue illustration. The screen appears to have been cleaned overall and has a matt polished finish to the black surface with very slight vertical scratch marks, presumably caused by polishing. Signs of retouching to the black finish in places overall, such as to the corners. Old marks and scratches in places. With minor chips, particularly to the edges, some of which are visible in the catalogue illustration. For example there is a chip to the lower left of the fourth panel circa 2.5cm. by 1.5cm and to the reverse edge of the third panel. Through the chips the white plaster substrate is visible. A decorative piece, ready for display.
"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."

The design of this four-fold screen closely follows that of the wrought iron 'Muse with Violin' firesceen designed by Paul Feher for the Rose Iron Works, Cleveland, now in the collection of the Museum of Cleveland, Ohio. 

In the 1920s Feher worked in Paris, initially for a furniture maker and then for the metalworker Paul Kiss, for whom he designed a prizewinning radiator cover for the 1925 exhibition. Feher relocated to the U.S. and worked for the Rose Iron Works after being persuaded to move by the firm's founder, Martin Rose. The firescreen is perhaps his most famous work, receiving a special commendation award in the Cleveland Museum of Arts 1930 May Show. For the firescreen see: Alastair Duncan, Art Deco Complete, 2009, p. 266 and front cover.