Lot Essay
With its pierced intricate stretchers and overall form, this gueridon is characteristic of the 'antique' style promoted by the marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre and executed for him by Adam Weisweiler (maître in 1778). Established in the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Weisweiler's collaboration with fellow ébénistes Riesener (between 1778-85) and Beneman (post 1785) is well-documented, and whilst he was undoubtedly patronised by other marchands, including Julliot frères, the vast majority of his oeuvre was commissioned and sold directly through Daguerre. In the 1780's, Daguerre established his own shop in London to meet the demands of George, Prince of Wales and his circle, and it was this link to a thriving export trade that enabled Weisweiler to avoid the bankruptcy which befell so many of his colleagues during the Revolution. A similar gueridon possibly by Weisweiler sold from an Important Private European Collection, ‘Boulle to Jansen’, at Christie’s, London, 11 June 2003, lot 47 (£65,725). Related stretchers also appear on a table attributed to Weisweiler and sold from the Alexander Collection at Christie's, New York, 30 April 1999, lot 80 ($410,000).