Posted 12 years ago
hookbadger
(2 items)
This secretary is also one I inherited from my grandmother. It was given to her as a gift from her parents upon her graduation from college. I call it "Art Nouveau" but I am not really sure. The curved legs and inlaid wood are similar to pieces that I know are from that time period. It was purchased in France in the early half of the 20th century.
The desk is really beautiful! Emile Galle did furniture of this period. No signature anywhere? The whiplash detail in the marquetry and the structure of the piece are indicators of Art Nouveau. What an heirloom to have received!
I was initially thinking the same thing, Vetraio50! Though, most Galle pieces are signed in the marquetry. This piece strikes me as by someone else, but it is decidedly French, from the period and BEAUTIFUL. I would kill to have this in my collection. The selection of the veneers on the drawer and sides are superlative! Hookbadger, contact me if you find anything else out about this piece.
Also, I think it goes without saying, but just in case...do NOT try to clean, refinish or polish up this piece. You will destroy about 70% of its value. A soft cloth for dusting and that would be it.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on my secretary. I am in the process of checking with older members of the family for more info. Cogito, I occasionally use a light lemon oil on it , I hope that this is not harming it!
Another name is Louis Majorelle.
There is a similar desk by him here:
http://www.macklowegallery.com/gallery-display-item.asp/antique/Decorative+Arts/Art+Nouveau/Furniture/antiques/Desks/item/F-1521/Art+Nouveau+Wood+Desk+by+Louis+Majorelle/antique
Beautiful!...:-)
Thanks, vetraio50, it does look like mine.
I'd say that's a match! Nice one, Vetraio50! Knowing what I know of the Macklowe Gallery's prices, you have a VERY nice family heirloom there, and more importantly, your example has the original finish. The Macklowe example finish has been monkeyed with...albeit well done, but still cleaned to look like it looked when it was new.
I'd also point out that the veneers on your example are superlative relative to the Macklowe example...matter of fact, their drawer looks a little bit "off," now that we have your example for comparison.
And the handle is there too!
Fabulous!
Nice laptop table!!!!