Elegant Pair of Encoignures by G. Durand, France circa 1880

Inlaid pair of corner cabinets with an exceptional “End-cut” floral marquetry within an amaranth border on a satinwood ground. Each serpentine-fronted encoignure is fitted with two doors, and raised on cabriole legs. Richly decorated with gilt-bronzes comprising frame, scrolled shoes, corner mounts. Topped with “Brèche d’Alep” marble.

Biography
Gervais Durand participated in the 1889 Universal Exhibition where he was awarded a silver medal. A. Picard’s exhibition report stated that, “ Mr Durand, cabinet-maker, as skillful as modest, displays for the first time very fine furniture, which has been designed and made by him. He is walking in the footsteps of giants such as Beurdeley and Dasson”. Durand made almost exclusively reproductions of 18th Century masterpieces.