A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY BUREAU PLAT

CIRCA 1785

Details

A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY BUREAU PLAT
Circa 1785
The rectangular burgundy leather-inset top with outset corners and molded trim, above three panelled frieze drawers with three sham drawers to the reverse, each set with a leaf-tip molding and a strapwork cartouche lock-plate fronting crossed flowering branches, the corners set with paterae, the right side with burgundy leather-lined writing-slide, on tapering fluted legs with acanthus sabots, headed by a pine cone, bearing a paper label inscribed P. Stuyvesant
29in. (75cm.) high, 63in. (160cm.) wide, 32in. (81.5cm.) deep

Provenance

P. Stuyvesant (according to a handwritten label).
The Princesse Caraman-Chimay and thence by descent.

Sale room notice

The shape of the top of the bureau has been altered and the ormolu border replaced.

Lot Essay

In its restrained Grecian decoration and strongly Neoclassical architectural form, this bureau plat relates to the oeuvre of Jean-Franois Leleu (matre in 1764), such as can be seen on the similar example illustrated in Partridge Summer Exhibition Catalogue, London, 1996, no.46, pp.110-111. Apprenticed alongside Jean-Henri Reisener to Jean-Franois Oeben, Leleu was appointed bniste to the Prince de Cond and is known to have supplied exceptional furniture to numerous members of the Court, including the marquis de Laborde. His furniture is distinguished by its restrained architectural character and simple undecorated lines, often mounted with superbly chased bronze dor of more simplified character than those of his confrres.

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