Lot 83
  • 83

ÉMILE GALLÉ | "Libellules" Vitrine

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • Émile Gallé
  • "Libellules" Vitrine
  • signed Galle within the marquetry
  • walnut, rosewood, fruitwood marquetry, bronze, glass
  • 92 1/2  x 50 x 22 in. (235 x 127 x 55.9 cm)
  • circa 1900-1903
with illuminated cabinet

Provenance

Christie's London, November 3, 2015, lot 68

Literature

Alastair Duncan, Art Nouveau Furniture, New York, 1982, p. 72
Alastair Duncan, Fin de Siecle Masterpieces from the Silverman Collection, New York, 1989, pp. 78-79
Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha, Gallé Furniture, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2012, p. 289

Condition

Overall very good condition consistent with age. The wooden surfaces present with some faint surface scratches, minor abrasions and minor discolorations commensurate with age and gentle use and largely concentrated to the front edge of the central cabinet top and the raised areas of carving. The feet, upper register and decorative borders of the cabinet are all deeply carved, giving each element a unique sense of organic movement. There are complex marquetry panels present in the frontal area of the cabinet (as is visible in the catalogue illustration), and the proper right side of the upper cabinet as well as right and left sides of the overall cabinet. The woods used to execute the marquetry are highly figured and of various saturations. The proper left lower door with two to three small water marks on the marquetry, not not visually detractive. The proper right upper vitrine with one glass shelf (not adjustable) and a glass face on the door. There are additionally three sockets for small lightbulbs in the upper register of this cabinet. The cabinet does not have a key. A masterwork by Galle of sizable scale, the cabinet exhibits thoughtfully executed marquetry and superb carving.
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.