ECOLE DE L’ILE SAINT-LOUIS, Attributed to Adolphe-Victor Geoffroy-Dechaume and Louis-Joseph Trimolet

executed in Paris
ebonised fruitwood, oil on panel

Ex. Cat. De Plâtre et d'or: Geoffroy Dechaume (1816-1892), Sculpteur Romantique de Viollet-le-Duc, Musée d'art et d'histoire Louis Senlecq, L'Isle-Adam, 2000, for discussion on the maker
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, pp. 136-139, illustrated 137-139

In overall good condition, with typical signs of wear consumerate with age and use. The escutcheons have some minor damage as to be expected with use. The oils in good condition. The gilt borders with some rubbing and losses. The top cupboard doors open to reveal a compartment. The two pairs of the mid tier cupboard doors enclosing one shelf on columnar supports. In bottom two pairs of cupboard doors enclosing one adjustable shelf. The bottom panels with three age cracks. With one key that locks all sets of cupboards.
"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 present cabinet with its architectural outline and painted panels is a very early French example of the Romantic Period and precedes what would later become the aesthetic English movement. Both Trimolet (1812-1843) and Geoffry-Dechaume (1816-1892) were pupils of David d’Angers and later became part of an obscure Parisian artisitic movement known as the Ecole de l’île Saint-Louis. Trimolet submitted work at the Paris Salon of 1839 and 1841 but sadly died at the early age of 31. A painting titled Distribution de secours par des sœurs de charité (1839) was acquired by his friend and colleague Geoffry Dechaume and in 1843 and was gifted to the Musée de l'assistance publique et des hôpitaux de paris. (Inv. No. AP.2199)