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HOTEL DES VENTES DE SAINT OMER

CHARLES TOPINO (c. 1742–1803)
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Description
CHARLES TOPINO (c. 1742–1803) Master cabinetmaker in Paris in 1773 Bonheur-du-jour / ladies’ writing desk with stepped top, Louis XVI period In mahogany and mahogany veneer. The upper tiered section opens via two sliding panels with vertical slats, revealing a storage compartment. It is framed by two uprights adorned with foliage motifs in chiselled and gilded bronze. The central section features a folding top that serves as a writing surface. The lower section opens via two small drawers situated above a large drawer. It rests on four tapered legs of square cross-section, finished with gilded bronze feet. Richly decorated with chiselled and gilded bronze, including, in particular, foliage motifs, lock plates, pull handles and feet. Stamped ‘C. TOPINO’ and bearing the guild mark ‘JME’. White marble top surrounded by an openwork gallery of gilded metal, added at a later date. Louis XVI period, circa 1780. H. 103; W. 78; D. 41 cm Previous and normal wear and tear; minor signs of use. Marble and gallery added later; original bronze fittings. Note on Charles Topino Charles Topino (1742–1803) was admitted as a master cabinetmaker in Paris on 4 July 1773 and practised on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. He is best known for his refined small pieces of furniture — writing tables, drawing-room tables, tambour tables and ‘bonheurs-du-jour’ — as well as for his famous marquetry depicting flowers, vases, teapots and various ‘utensils’. Getty His clientele consisted largely of haberdashers and other leading Parisian cabinetmakers, including Boudin, Migeon, Delorme, Héricourt and Tuart, to whom he supplied both finished pieces of furniture and marquetry panels. His ledger for the years 1771–1779 has been preserved and documents, in particular, his collaboration with several Parisian bronze casters and gilders. Christie’s Topino is particularly noted for his light and ingenious furniture designed for a refined clientele. Several ‘bonheurs-du-jour’ of his own design are now held in public collections; the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, in particular, holds an example dated around 1770–1775.
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About the sale Inaugural Sale (in preparation)
Auction location
Auction time 11/07/2026 at 9:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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