LOUIS MAJORELLE | "Nénuphars" Desk

Private Collection, Paris, circa 1918-1939
Thence by descent
Sotheby's Paris, November 25, 2014, lot 17

"Notre programme," Art & Industrie, 1909
Majorelle-Nancy, Décoration d'intérieurs, Majorelle catalogue, Nancy, circa 1901-1906
Edith Mannoni, Meubles et ensembles style 1900, Paris, 1968, pp. 49, 59
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle, Master of Art Nouveau Design, New York, 1991, no. 46 and pp. 165, 168
L'école de Nancy, 1889-1909, Art Nouveau et industries d'art, exh. cat., Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nancy, France, 1999, p. 162
Paul Greenhalgh, Art Nouveau 1890-1914, London, 2000, p. 44

Overall in very good condition When viewed in person, the desk presents with great scale. The wood surfaces have been revarnished at some point in the history of the piece and present with some surface scratches, edge abrasions, a few discolorations consistent with age and gentle use. The veneered top and sides with a few creases consistent with age and the proper left upper joint with an area of visible stabilization. The proper right front corner with an area of prior professional and sensitive restoration to a spider crack in the wood. A similar restoration to a single separation in the wood on the proper left front corner. Both are well executed and blend in with the overall line if the desk. There are minor stabilizations to minor joint separations scattered throughout, as is common for a piece of this scale and age. The back of the proper left foot with a small loss measuring approximately 2 ½ x 1 inch, which does not affect the stability of the desk. The original leather is decorated with a nice impressed frieze along the perimeter and presents with general signs of wear, with scattered scuffs, scratches indentations, a few scattered instances of minor losses, all of which naturally blend together with none being of particular emphasis. The gilt bronze mounts with a few surface scratches, minor rubbing and surface soiling to the recessed areas of the design, consistent with age and gentle handling. There is no key associated with this lot. The interior of the drawer with a few scatter scuffs, ink stains and marks from use. An iconic Art Nouveau model, executed with Majorelle’s hallmark elegant lines and further embellished with organic floral mounts.
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.