Louis Majorelle

Acquired in Paris by Mabel Chauvin Slaglel New Orleans, LA
Thence by descent to Merwin Hale Wilkinson Sr., Port Allen, LA, circa 1950
Thence by descent to Merwin Hale Wilkinson Jr., Lafayette, LA
Thence by descent to the present owner

"Notre programme," Art & Industrie, 1909
Majorelle-Nancy, Décoration d'intérieurs, catalogue of Majorelle workshop, Nancy, 1910, p. 56 
Edith Mannoni, Meubles et ensembles style 1900, Paris, 1968, pp. 49-50
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle, Master of Art Nouveau Design, New York, 1991, no. 46, pp. 65 and 168 
L'école de Nancy, 1889-1909, Art Nouveau et Industries d'Art, exh. cat., Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nancy, 1999, p. 162 
Michel Draguet, Treasures of Art Nouveau through the Collection of Anne-Marie Gillion Crowet, Geneva, 1999, pp. 21 and 129
Paul Greenhalgh, Art Nouveau 1890-1914, London, 2000, p. 44

Very good original overall condition. The wooden used to execute this work display rich figuring and a highly saturated color palette. The mahogany with a few minor inherent surface irregularities in the wood, concentrated on the proper left side of the top, as seen on catalogue illustration. The wooden surfaces with some light scratches and minor edge abrasions, consistent with age and gentle use. The rosewood to the top of the raised portion of the desktop with some light crazing from the dryness of the wood and very minor lifting to the veneer consistent with the age of the wood. The top and back of the raised portion with an area of matter finish along the back edge. With minor evidence of dryness to the rosewood to the drawer fronts and compartment below the raised portion of the desk. One minor sensitively undertaken restoration to the front edge of the proper right raised portion of the desk measuring approximately ¼ x 1/8 inches and only visible upon close inspection. The lower edge of the proper left lower drawer with some minor losses to the veneer, only visible upon close inspection, the largest measuring ¼ x 1/8 inches. Some minor abrasions to the edges, consistent with age and gentle use. The gilt bronze presents with wonderful nuances and subtle red hue. The bronze surfaces with some light scratches, traces of oxidation and light surface dirt in the recessed areas, consistent with age and gentle use. The leather of the top has been replaced at some point in the desk's history and presents with light scratches, minor losses and light surface staining, consistent with age and gentle use. This desk is a true masterwork of sculpture displaying superb scale and form throughout.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.