ref. 1754/3

Potheau

Cabinet-makers
(late 19^th century)

A Régence style display-cabinet

Signed Constantin Potheau, ébéniste à Paris.

Circa 1895

Height : 275 cm (108,2 in.) ; Width : 160 cm (63 in.) ;
Upper part depth : 48 cm (18,8 in.) / inside : 42 cm (16,5 in.)
Lower part depth : 60 cm (23,6 in.)

A very fine Régence style two-part display-cabinet standing on a plinth, surmounted by an arched pediment. Executed in carved walnut, richly decorated with motifs, such as lambrequins, acanthuses, lattice and rosaces. Opening with four double opening system doors, fitted inside with shelves and drawers. This specific system makes easier and wider the opening; the doors can be folded along the sides.

Biography

Georges and Constantin Potheau took over the company led by Charmois and Lemarinier, and installed their workshops at the n° 21, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine in Paris. “Potheau Brothers” were quite renowned for their fine furnishings, simple but luxurious. Remarked by the jury at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition, both of them were awarded a Silver medal for a superb carved fireplace. From 1894 onwards, Constantin ran alone the company.

Bibliography

Les ébénistes du XIXe siècle, Ledoux-Lebard, Ed. de l’amateur, Paris, 1989, p° 530.
Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1889, Rapport du Jury international, Groupe III, Classe 17, Mobilier, p.11.