Posted 9 years ago
Rustyboy
(6 items)
This desk has a single drawer. Elaborate marquetry of a pastoral scene on the front panel and inlay across the top. It's 28 inches wide, 24 inches deep.
I was told it was made in the early 1800s, but through a fair amount of internet searching, I couldn't find anything like it. The legs may be the key to its actual date and origin. There are no markings or signatures to help give me a clue. If anybody has any suggestions or knows of similar pieces, I would love to hear about them.
Thanks.
Art Nouveau, 1900, BEAUTIFUL! Google images for Gallé or Majorelle marquetry.
Welcome to CW ! :-)
KYRATANGO is right.
You'll find the general idea with theirs search "gallé bureau écritoire".
Great art Nouveau piece.
Whether it's Gallé or not only an expert can tell you. A lot of the Gallé pieces are signed in the marquetry.
This appears to be a Louis Majorelle (1859-1926) - Lady’s Writing Desk. Carved Walnut with Marquetry Inlays. Circa 1900. 124cm x 72cm x 45cm.
Thank you Kyratango.
Right!
The nearly similar here:
http://www.artvalue.com/auctionresult--majorelle-louis-1859-1926-fran-lady-s-writing-desk-2912548.htm
Thanks for the information Kyratango.
They sure look the same, but ours is missing the little wooden pieces that hold the correspondence.
Now what to decide what to do with it.
As much as I love the piece, I'm not much of a collector type of person. Selling it while I'm ahead (I paid $100) would be my next best course of action.
I live in South Florida,a couple of hours away from Miami. What's the best way to find a credible auction house that might be interested? Obviously the auction house I got it from had no idea what it was.
Are you sure there is no signature in the marquetry? If signed somewhere, price would increase!
I can't help for auction houses, as I'm French, in France :-)
No Kyrantango, there is no signature. I presume these went into production at his factory.
Should I buy a boat and come to France?
Just kidding.
I'll check around here for auctions. I will probably have to wait until season. Florida dries up of visitors and seasonal inhabitants until Mid-November.
Thanks for all your help.
another one, in France:
http://www.marchebiron.com/notre-selection/mobilier/bureaux/item/3975-louis-majorelle-1859-1926-bureau-de-dame
And this one, sold at auction house ARCURIAL in Paris on October 15 2013 for 3510€
http://www.artvalue.com/auctionresult.aspx?PK_Resultat=3840459
Now you have an idea of the price :-) and it is better to wait for season!
wow! that lady has some fine legs!
Had to love it again, it is so beautiful!
How did it end up, kept or sold?