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L. Bontemps French, active late 19th century A pair of transitional style gilt bronze-mounted kingwood and Chinese coromandel lacquer decorated cabinets Paris, late 19th century, in the manner of Jean-François Dubut
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- L. Bontemps
- gilt bronze, satinwood
- height 57 in.; width 32 in.; depth 19 1/2 in.
- 145 cm; 81 cm; 49.5 cm
each surmounted by a fleur de pêcher marble top, both stamped L. BONTEMPS / PARIS to the back
Literature
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Les Éditions de l’Amateur, Paris, 2000, p. 92-93
F. J. B. Watson, The Wrightsman Collection: Furniture, pp. 182-185, no. 104, for illustrations of&🤡nbsp;variant 18th century models by Jean-François Dubut
Condition
Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. All bronze mounts are lacquered. Each cabinet has an upper drawer which seems to be condemned: it will not open. The coromandel lacquer of both cabinets have minor losses of paint showing gesso. There are traces of restoration of lacquer in places. One cabinet at the proper upper right hand side has a crack through the lacquered cupboard door. Losses of veneer in places, some veneer is available in a bag, but not all. Four keys present.
We would advise the buyer to wax and French polish the veneers to nourish the wood and bring back the former color to this piece of furniture.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
In the style of Jean-Francois Dubut (d. 1778), a furniture maker and dealer working from the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, this model was popular in both the 18th and 19th centuries. An early reference for the shape can be seen in the pair circa 1835 by Edward Holmes Baldock in the Frick Collection. The Frick pair, however, have end-cut marquetry foliage in kingwood on a quarter-veneered tulipwood ground. Although Baldock is noted by Ted Dell in the Frick Catalogue as having made at least nine examples, the construction of the present lot is however typically French, and distinctly and expensively different with its exotic coromandel lacquer panels.
L. Bontemps (active late 19th century) was recorded at 30, rue de Londres and at 1, rue de Constantinople in 1873 in Paris. His main activity was maître-tapissier (upho♓lsterer) but furniture bearing his name has been sold with great success in the international markꦛet.