Offered by Antiquités Art Nouveau
Rare and exceptional wall-mounted secrétaire.
Structure and woods. The frame is crafted from solid mahogany, molded and ribbed, creating a dynamic structure with the flowing curves and counter-curves characteristic of Majorelle's furniture.
Precious veneers. The back panels of the niches and the fall-front feature a remarkable interplay of contrasting veneers, combining bubinga, with its warm, deep grain, and elm burl, prized for its intricate, swirling and shimmering patterns.
Carved decoration. The arched pediment and the two lateral brackets supporting the projecting upper section are finely carved from solid wood with stylized vegetal motifs depicting umbels (hogweed), one of the artist's favorite decorative themes.
Upper section. The upper part features a large open niche framed by side panels with sinuous, shaped profiles.
Writing compartment and storage. The lower section opens at the front with a large fall-front forming a writing surface, held horizontally by two lateral brass stays. The interior reveals two storage shelves and a lower compartment divided by a shaped rail with a triple-wave profile, forming a letter holder.
Leather writing surface. The inner face of the fall-front retains its original Havana-brown leather covering, blind-tooled with a continuous border of small flowers and decorated at the center with maple leaves.
Original lock and key. The piece retains its original lock and key in gilt and patinated bronze. The key's ring is finely chased in the shape of an umbel, echoing the carved decoration of the wood.
Unique commissioned piece.
Period: 1900–1910.
