Lot 130

In good condition, some wear to raised section of gilt elements, small chips to edges of marble tops, the carved ebony panels have old expansion cracks, brass lines lifting on base of right side of one cabinet.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

A Private Queensland Collection

The short-lived Parisian ebeniste Hippolyte-Edme Pretot (1812-1855) exhibited in the French National Exhibition of 1849 as well as the Great Exhibition, London 1851 where he was awarded a second class medal for "meubles encrusté". These impressive cabinets are notable for their use of a pair of Louis XIV period ebony doors, in the manner of the court ebeniste Pierre Gole, carved in low relief with classical scenes to the exterior and geometric mouldings to the interior. This follows the re-appreciation of the furniture of earlier periods and the re-use of elements of them in the furniture of the first half of the 19th century. These are likely the cabinets mentioned in Denise Ledoux-Lebard "Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle" page 531 sold at Sotheby's London 21 April 1976 Lot 55; "une paire de cabinets Français en ébène; le haut présente une large frise de feuilles d'acanthe en bronze doré supportée par des termes. Les portes montées avec un panneau en ébène de la fin du XVIIe siècle. Signés PRETOT"