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Lot Essay
These tables à écrire are based on the celebrated model by Jean-François Oeben (1721-1763) circa 1763-4 in the Wallace Collection, London (P. Hughes, The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Furniture II, London, 1996, pp. 1065). The latter model, stamped by the ébéniste Jean-François Leleu, is not only a tour de force of ingeniosity - with its dual purpose as a table de toilette and a table-à écrire - but also a vivid example of Oeben's atelier's outstanding craftsmanship, Leleu having been working under Oeben's supervision in the latter's workshop at the date of execution of such piece.
Closely related examples of this model include a table à écrire by Paul Sormani, sold, Christie's, London, 28 September 2006, lot 79 (£9,000 including premium) and a further table, from the collection of Catherine D. Wentworth, Montecito, Santa Barbara, sold, Christie's, New York, 25 October 2005, lot 320.
Closely related examples of this model include a table à écrire by Paul Sormani, sold, Christie's, London, 28 September 2006, lot 79 (£9,000 including premium) and a further table, from the collection of Catherine D. Wentworth, Montecito, Santa Barbara, sold, Christie's, New York, 25 October 2005, lot 320.