the fall-front with a hunting scene in a landscape, opening to reveal three drawers and two secret compartments with floral marquetry, the shaped frieze with birds and landscapes, on cabriole legs

- Partridge Fine Arts Gallery, London

Literature:
- L. Morton, Partridge Fine Arts Recent Acquisitions, London, 1997, pp. 92-97, n. 38 (illustrated)
- T. Wolvesperges, Le meuble français en laque au XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 1999, p. 119, n. 71 (illustrated)

Related references:
- G. de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor. Furniture, Clocks and Gilt-Bronzes, vol. I, Fribourg, 1974, pp. 278-281
- A. Forray-Carlier and M. Kopplin (dir.), Les secrets de la laque française. Le vernis Martin, Paris, 2014, pp. 45-57, 71-77, 92-93

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition. There are the inevitable minor dents, marks and scratches due to age and use. There are some restorations to the veneer inside the bureau. There are stains and scratches to the leather and the gilding slightly is tarnished. There are some refresments and restorations to the red lacquer as expected. There are minor restorations to the underside panel. The construction is firm. Beautiful European lacquered bureau de pente in good restored condition. Very nice marquetry and veneer inside the bureau.
"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."

Europe's fascination for the East during the 16th-century led to the importation of lacquer ware, very popular with the aristocracy and the merchant dealers who modified these chests, screens and objects to render them fashionable. Faced with this material's scarcity, French varnishers alias "ouvrier en verny" specialized after the 17th-century in the imitation of these lacquers by reinterpreting these decorations, sometimes combining influences such as the colors from Chinese lacquer and certain typical Japanese stylistics. Our bureau de pente is an example of this trend and influence. Its very rare red color probably allowed it to integrate into rooms with similar tones. Another desk with proportions very similar to ours is the one that belonged to Madame de Pompadour at Bellevue château (Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, inv 32636, see fig. 1). Attributed to Adrien Faizelot-Delorme, it also comprises a fall-front with Chinese decoration within flat-strip borders against a blue ground.

The example presented here bears the stamp of Delorme. Adrien Faizelot-Delorme, master status in 1748 and established on rue du Temple, specialized in making marquetry furniture for which he was considered "one of the most skillful and renowned" Parisian cabinetmakers. Our desk's interior is of extreme richness which attests his capabilities. It can therefore be compared to one from the collection of Baron Edmond de Rothschild and nowadays kept at Waddesdon Manor (inv.P / 688, see fig. 2) and more precisely from its sumptuous inner decor revealing drawers and two hatches.

He also crafted furniture incorporating lacquer from China and Japan, but also "manner of China" panels, that is to say European lacquer panels imitating Asian lacquer. The qua🦩lity of our decor as well as that of the bronzes, makes it possible to conclude that the dealers who called upon Adrien Faizelot-Delorme also asked the Martins, famous family of varnishers, to realize the decoration. Renowned during the early 18th century, the Martin family was first established with Guillaume (1689-1749), "first varnisher to the king", then his brothers Etienne-Simon and Julien as well as his children and nephews.