A charming and highly decorative original furniture design watercolour produced by the Parisian furnishing house Schmit & Cie, depicting an elegant Louis XVI Revival drop-leaf table.
Executed in watercolour and ink on paper, the drawing presents the table in elevation, carefully rendered with rich mahogany veneers, fine gilt detailing and a silver tea service displayed atop the surface. Such drawings were typically created as presentation pieces for clients or as workshop reference designs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of French decorative arts during the Belle Époque period.
 
The sheet bears the firm's blind embossed stamp reading "Schmit & Cie, Ameublement, Tapisserie, Décoration, Paris, 22 Rue de Charonne". Rue de Charonne was one of Paris's principal centres for furniture making and interior decoration during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
 
Presented in a giltwood frame with wide cream mount, the drawing possesses a refined architectural quality and would sit beautifully within both traditional and contemporary interiors. It is equally appealing as a decorative artwork, a piece of design history, or an addition to a collection of furniture and interior design ephemera.
 
A particularly attractive example of an original Parisian furniture house rendering, retaining its period character and subtle age-related toning.
 
Condition
Presented behind glazing in a later giltwood frame. The paper displays light age-related toning, scattered foxing and minor marks consistent with age. The embossed maker's stamp remains clear and legible. Overall, the piece displays very well.
 
Details
Maker: Schmit & Cie, Paris
Origin: France
Date: Circa 1890-1910
Medium: Watercolour and ink on paper
Subject: Louis XVI Revival drop-leaf table design
Frame: Giltwood frame with cream mount
Condition: Good antique condition, commensurate with age