signed MILLET À PARIS

Camille Mestdagh, L'Ameublement d'Art Français: 1850-1900, Paris, 2010, p. 206, pl. 237, the model illustrated.
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Les Éditions de l’Amateur, Paris, 2000, pp. 482-3

Overall in fair condition with the usual tarnishing and dirt to bronze consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Light scratches to marble surface consistent with age and use, due to placing objects on top.
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.

This original model, made entirely of bronze, with an inset marble top, was first shown by Théodore Millet at the Paris Salon des Industries du Mobilier in 1905 with great success. Following Millet's exhibition at the major Exposition Universelle, the salon of 1905 confirmed his position as one of the leading creators of the style Bèlle Époque along with François Linke. Here with this tour de force of design, Millet showed the world his talent as a creator in the "modern" style, which, despite drawing its inspiration from preceding centuries, in this model is composed of exuberant and dynamic lines and an omnipresent floral motif.

Blaise and Théodore Millet (active second half 19^th century). Maison Millet was established by the father Blaise Millet (b.1825) in 1857. The firm was a highly regarded and was described as producing ‘meuble et bronze d'art, genre ancien et moderne.’ (furniture and works of art, of centuries prior and modern styles).The company won several awards in the series of exhibitions in London and Paris, such as the gold medal in the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, a Grand Prix in 1900 and three further diplomes d'honneur and four médailles d'or for the furniture they produced. The firm specialized in the Louis XV and XVI styles, though they were acclaimed by their contemporaries for working in their own modern style. In March 1902, the firm was authorized by the Palais de Versailles to replicate Marie-Antoinette's celebrated Grand cabinet à bijoux. An auction was hel♓d in 1906 clearing the reཧmaining stock and the firm finally ceased trading circa 1915.  Maison Millet was an active client of François Linke.