Lot 35
  • 35

Louis Majorelle

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • Louis Majorelle
  • "Aux Orchidées" Armoire
  • walnut with thuya, amaranth, bois des îles and burl amboyna marquetry and mother-of-pear and copper inlays; mirrored glass and gilt bronze

Provenance

Maîtres Albinet et Néret-Minet, Paris, June 21, 1978
Jean-Claude Brugnot, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1983-1984

Exhibited

Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1900

Literature

G. M. Jacques, "Le Meuble Français à l'Exposition," L'Art Décoratif, July 1900, p. 144
Gustave Soulier, "L'Ameublement à l'Exposition," Art et Décoration, July-December 1900, p. 40
Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à ParisRapports du Jury International, Groupe XII, Paris, 1902, p. 126 (for a description of the bedroom suite by Pol Neveux)
Alastair Duncan, Fin de Siècle Masterpieces from the Silverman Collection, New York, 1989, p. 90, cat. no. 48 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons 1895-1914, Volume III: Furniture, Suffolk, United Kingdom, 1996, p. 379 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle: Master of Art Nouveau Design, London, 1991, pl. 74 and p. 111
Roselyne Bouvier, Majorelle: Une Aventure Moderne, Paris, 1991, p. 164

Condition

Please note that the armoire is incised L. Majorelle/1900 to the proper left lower edge. Overall in good condition. When viewed first hand, the woods appear slightly more brown and less red than in the catalogue illustration. Please note that the upper part of the armoire can be detached from the piece for installation purposes. The wooden surfaces have been sensitively refinished and present with minor surface scratches, minor abrasions, a few discoloration and dirt to the recessed areas consistent with age and gentle use. The joins of constructions with minor separation which does not affect the solidity of the structure. The marquetry is in very good condition with minor losses to the upper center of the proper left side door, only visible upon close inspection. The ebene de Macassar with minor surface stains consistent with use. The front mirror is likely replaced and presents with a few minor surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use. The interior center compartment with 5 adjustable shelves and two drawers. Each of the two lateral compartments with two adjustable shelves. An extraordinary detailed work with great scale and magnificent presence when viewed first hand. -----
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.