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Lot Essay
Born in Herdon, Germany, in 1849, Zwiener is recorded as having worked in Paris at 12, rue de la Roquette from 1880 to 1895. His successful atelier executed elegant pieces of furniture replicating articles from the Garde-Meuble National of France. Working mainly in a vigorous interpretation of the French Rococo style, Zwiener's furniture is often inset with the finest marquetry, vernis Martin panels and flowing gilt-bronze mounts. On receiving a large royal commission from Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia, Zwiener left Paris in 1895, returning to Berlin, where he was known as Julius Zwiener. Zwiener did not stamp all of his work, but the quality of craftsmanship from his ateliers is well recognised from the few stamped pieces that are documented. In addition to the stamp ZJ, which appears on some of his bronze-work, including the present piece, the branding E. Zwiener was also employed in the workshop.
Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar (d. 1934) inherited Kasteel de Haar, his family's seat for over 700 years, in 1890. Together with his wife, Baroness Hélène de Rothschild (d. 1947), he immediately set about restoring the Kasteel, commissioning the celebrated Dutch Architect, Pierre H. J. Cuypers (d. 1922) to complete the considerable project. Cuyper's desire for a coherent Gothic revival style soon
brought him into conflict with his clients, who favoured the
fashionable eclectic and exotic tastes of the late 19th century. In the mid-1890s, the Van Zuylens purchased a large quantity of furnishings through the Parisian decorator F. Jansen. This meuble d'appui was almost certainly supplied by the latter (who retailed much of Zwiener's work) for their Paris mansion at 86, avenue du Bois de Bologne, and was subsequently moved along with other furniture, including another commode by Zwiener (see Christie's Kasteel de Haar sale, lot 40 [$57,000]) to Kasteel de Haar in 1902.
Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar (d. 1934) inherited Kasteel de Haar, his family's seat for over 700 years, in 1890. Together with his wife, Baroness Hélène de Rothschild (d. 1947), he immediately set about restoring the Kasteel, commissioning the celebrated Dutch Architect, Pierre H. J. Cuypers (d. 1922) to complete the considerable project. Cuyper's desire for a coherent Gothic revival style soon
brought him into conflict with his clients, who favoured the
fashionable eclectic and exotic tastes of the late 19th century. In the mid-1890s, the Van Zuylens purchased a large quantity of furnishings through the Parisian decorator F. Jansen. This meuble d'appui was almost certainly supplied by the latter (who retailed much of Zwiener's work) for their Paris mansion at 86, avenue du Bois de Bologne, and was subsequently moved along with other furniture, including another commode by Zwiener (see Christie's Kasteel de Haar sale, lot 40 [$57,000]) to Kasteel de Haar in 1902.