Louis Majorelle

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

Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1900

Théodore Lambert, Meubles de Style Moderne: Exposition Universelle à Paris de 1900, Paris, 1900, pl. 1, cat. 4 and pl. 15, cat. 7
G. M. Jacques, "Le Meuble Français à l'Exposition," L'Art Décoratif, July 1900, p. 145
Gustave Soulier, "L'Ameublement à l'Exposition," Art et Décoration, July-December 1900, p. 37 
Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à Paris, Rapports du Jury International, Groupe XII, Paris, 1902, p. 126 (for a description of the bedroom suite by Pol Neveux)
Pierre Olmer, La Renaissance diu Mobilier Français (1890-1910), Paris, 1927, cat. no. IIB
Marie-Christine Delacroix, "Le Mobilier Majorelle," L'Estampille, September 1978, p. 18 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, Art Nouveau Furniture, New York, 1982, pl. 39 Alastair Duncan, Fin de Siècle Masterpieces from the Silverman Collection, New York, 1989, p. 91, cat. no. 48 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons 1895-1914, Volume III: Furniture, Suffolk, United Kingdom, 1996, p. 380 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle: Master of Art Nouveau Design, London, 1991, pl. 67

Very good overall condition. The wood used to execute this work has been sensitively refinished and displays rich figuring and a highly saturated and diverse color palette. The walnut surfaces with a few minor light scratches and minor edge abrasions consistent with age and gentle use. The marquetry is extremely well executed and presents with some light crazing and dryness of the wood consistent with natural aging. The upper front drawer with minor lifting to the veneer along the proper right edge and a minor loss to the veneer along the proper left edge, only visible upon close inspection and measuring approximately 2 x 1 inches. The joints of the structure with minor separations to the proper right upper part and to the bottom proper left part, both of which remain stable. The upper front edge with traces of a prior restoration to the orchid, only visible upon close inspection. The Macassar ebony with minor surface discoloration to the lateral tops on each side of the chest, consistent with gentle use. The top of the cenrtal element fitted with a "Levanto Rouge" marble top, which presents with a highly detailed surface with nuanced colors of red, grey, white and green, and likely original to the piece. The marble surface with minor surface scratches and surface dirt consistent with age and gentle use. The bronze surfaces with minor wear to the patina, some light surface scratches, minor traces of oxidation and light surface dirt to the recessed areas, consistent with age and gentle use. The interior of the lateral compartments and drawers with a wonderful and intricately detailed surface of burled walnut. The proper left compartment with one central shelf. With two keys, including one original key. An extraordinary piece with a strong visual presence displaying a wonderful form and masterfully executed marquetry. -----
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.