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Lot Essay
This impressive pair of console dessertes is closely based on a celebrated model by Jean-Henri Riesener in the Frick Collection, New York (16.5.72), with a pendant long considered to be by the hand of the famed ébéniste, but more recently dated to the late 19th/early 20th century (16.5.73). This fascinating discovery reinforces the enduring interest in the model which incorporates many of the most famous aspects of Riesener’s œuvre. The present pair of console dessertes reproduces, in almost exact detail, the Frick Riesener console, enlarging the overall proportions slightly and adding in the rosette mounts and the trailing foliate swags to the top of each leg. Riesener’s console, dated circa 1780-1783 incorporates designs and mounts similar to those on other famed pieces he created including the Apollo mask to the frieze, which is based on one from a commode the ébéniste delivered for Louis XVI’s use at Versailles in 1775, and today in the collections of the Musée Condé at Chantilly.
Though unsigned, the present consoles demonstrate exceptionally high qualities of construction and gilt-bronze decoration, placing them among some of the finest examples produced in the last quarter of the 19th century. Numerous Parisian makers were known to have produced similar console dessertes including Charles-Guillaume Winkelsen. A single console desserte by Winkelsen without the central Apollo mask, but closely related to the present model is illustrated in D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIXe Siècle 1795-1889, Paris, 1989, p. 638. In 1871, renowned Parisian ébéniste Henry Dasson purchased Winckelsen’s workshop and stock from his widow for 14,000 francs, continuing in the former’s proud tradition of cabinetmaking. A single console by Dasson of similar size to the present pair was sold Christie’s, London, 22 September 2011, lot 30 (£32,450). Smaller versions measuring approximately 47 in. wide were also recorded by Dasson and Maison Krieger (Christie’s, New York, 27 October 1998, lot 448 and Christie’s, London, 29 September 2005, lot 164 respectively). An attribution for the present consoles to either Winkelsen or Dasson is therefore possible owing to the finesse of the mounts and quality of construction, consistent with the finest output of their renowned ateliers.
Though unsigned, the present consoles demonstrate exceptionally high qualities of construction and gilt-bronze decoration, placing them among some of the finest examples produced in the last quarter of the 19th century. Numerous Parisian makers were known to have produced similar console dessertes including Charles-Guillaume Winkelsen. A single console desserte by Winkelsen without the central Apollo mask, but closely related to the present model is illustrated in D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIXe Siècle 1795-1889, Paris, 1989, p. 638. In 1871, renowned Parisian ébéniste Henry Dasson purchased Winckelsen’s workshop and stock from his widow for 14,000 francs, continuing in the former’s proud tradition of cabinetmaking. A single console by Dasson of similar size to the present pair was sold Christie’s, London, 22 September 2011, lot 30 (£32,450). Smaller versions measuring approximately 47 in. wide were also recorded by Dasson and Maison Krieger (Christie’s, New York, 27 October 1998, lot 448 and Christie’s, London, 29 September 2005, lot 164 respectively). An attribution for the present consoles to either Winkelsen or Dasson is therefore possible owing to the finesse of the mounts and quality of construction, consistent with the finest output of their renowned ateliers.