283. 283W Table-pupitre à crémaillère en acajou attribué à Joseph Gegenbach dit Canabas, d'époque Louis XVI, à pupitre et deux bras de lumière articulés A Louis XVI mahogany articulated reading desk-pupitre attributed to Joseph Gegenbach, dit Canabas, late 18th century Of rectangular form with canted angles, the adjustable hinged top with articulated candle holders above an arched panelled frieze and a folding leather-lined writing slide, two side drawers, the fluted canted angles above a shaped support and on four moulded splayed legs terminating in brass castors, 52.5cm wide, 35cm deep, 74cm high (20 1/2in wide, 13 1/2in deep, 29in high). Joseph Gegenbach dit Canabas, maître ébéniste on April 1, 1766. This table-pupitre or table à transformation is characteristic of the work of Joseph Gengenbach known as Canabas. The use of solid mahogany, the quality of execution and pure lines are notable signs of the distinguished production of Joseph Gegenbach. Of German origin, Canabas arrived in Paris and soon became a privileged worker for Jean-François Oeben and Pierre Migeon, among other ébénistes. After receiving his maîtrise in 1766, he settled in the Faubourg Saint Antoine, a popular address which gave him the needed visibility and where he received a large private clientele, while supplying a quantity of ébénisterie pieces for marchands merciers such as Bonnemain and the Presle Brothers. A related music desk, also unstamped, is illustrated in Pierre Kjellberg's, "Le mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle", p.145 as well as another in L'Art et Manière des maîtres ébénistes français by Jean de Nicolay p.87.