Louis XVI Mahogany Secrétaire À Abattant, Stamped J. Canabas, Jme, 18th Century

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Louis XVI Mahogany Secrétaire à Abattant, Stamped J. Canabas, JME, 18th Century

An elegant Louis XVI secrétaire à abattant in … Read more Louis XVI Mahogany Secrétaire à Abattant, Stamped J. Canabas, JME, 18th Century

An elegant Louis XVI secrétaire à abattant in finely figured mahogany, stamped “J. CANABAS” and “JME”, dating to the late 18th century. The restrained neoclassical form is characteristic of the work of Joseph Gengenbach, dit Canabas (1715–1797), who was received as a master ébéniste in Paris in 1766.

The marble top secrétaire features a fall-front writing surface opening to a fitted interior of drawers and compartments, above lower doors and standing on tapered legs. Canabas was renowned for the exceptional quality of his mahogany and for finely executed, functional furniture distinguished by its simplicity and elegant proportions. His larger case pieces, including secrétaires, were produced comparatively rarely. H. 54.5 in. x W. 33.5 in. x D. 16.5 in.

The JME mark is a very important French furniture mark.
JME stands for “Jurande des Menuisiers-Ébénistes”—the guild of Parisian menuisiers-ébénistes (master woodworkers and cabinetmakers). The JME mark, together with the maker's stamp, is an important indication of its association with the Parisian ébéniste guild system. Comparable Louis XVI mahogany furniture by Canabas is documented in major collections and at leading auction houses. See less