Lot 1266. Princely Bureau mécanique "Aux bustes de romains", owned par Eugène de Beauharnais, Empire, from a Parisian master workshop, the design is attributable to L.E. BATAILLE (Laurent Edme Bataille, died 1819), the bronzes by P.P. THOMIRE (Pierre Philippe Thomire, 1751 Paris 1843), with label PE GARDE MEUBLE DE MUNICH (No.) 18, ca. 1802-05. Estimate CHF 150 000 / 200 000 (€ 138 890 / 231 480). Photo: Koller.

Flame mahogany. Rectangular, sliding top. Pull-out, hinged drawer lined inside with gold-stamped, green leather, probably original, above 3 adjacent drawers. Pull-out shelf on each side, with matching lining. Exceptionally fine, matte and polished gilt bronze mounts and applications. 145x88x(open 120)x90 cm. 

Provenance: - formerly the property of Eugène de Beauharnais (1781-1824), adoptive son of Emperor Napoleon, Viceroy of Italy (1805-1814), son-in-law of the King of Bavaria. After the overthrow of Napolean as the Duke of Leuchtenberg and Prince of Eichstätt (1817), in all likelihood, originally displayed in the Hôtel de Beauharnais in Paris, and later in the Palais Leuchtenberg in Munich. 
- Auguste de Beauharnais (1810-1835), son of Eugène, 2nd Prince of Eichstätt. 
- Maximilian de Beauharnais (1817-1852), brother of Auguste, 3rd Duke of Leuchtenberg, 3rd Count of Navarre. Prince Romanovsky. 
- Théodolinde de Beauharnais (1814-1857), Princess of Leuchtenberg, wife of Count William of Württemberg.
- via inheritance in a princely collection, Germany. 

The piece of furniture on offer is depicted and described in: U. Leben, Empire Style - The Hôtel de Beauharnais in Paris, London 2016.

We would like to thank Mr. J.D. Augarde, Paris, for his research on this piece of furniture.

Koller. Furniture, Sculptures, Porcelain & Silver - Thursday 30 March 2017 10.00 AM