Antiques: Boulle desk and a Fragonard masterpiece

Des O'Sullivan checks out the collection of Graziella Patiño de Ortiz Linares for auction in Paris

A desk from the early 18th century attributed to 

More than 300 years old, this remarkable desk dates to the end of the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV and is attributed to André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732). It bears all the hallmarks of his work. 

The projecting frieze drawer and emblematic masks resemble a famous series of drawings attributed to Boulle at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. 

The desk is one of a very small number of known examples to retain its original cartonnier, a small ornamental box for documents. Estimated by Christie's at €400,000-€600,000, it is from the fabulous collection of Graziella Patino de Ortiz Linares (1900-1980) to be auctioned in Paris on September 23.

Masterpieces by Watteau and Fragonard stand alongside classical furniture and a magnificent collection of silver in an auction of 60 lots with an overall estimate of €23m-€33m. 

Among numerous highlights is Jean-Honoré Fragonard's The Longed-For Moment, or Happy Lovers, a composition characteristic of his lively and spontaneous style, painted with great freedom. The estimate is around €2.5 million. 

Jean-Honoré Fragonard's 'The Longed-For Moment' or 'Happy Lovers'.

A glittering figure in Paris in the 1920s, Graziella was the daughter of the Bolivian business magnate Don Simon Iturri Patino (1860-1947), known as the Tin King. With refined taste and great erudition, she built a collection over four decades in one of the most beautiful private mansions on the widest and one of the most expensive streets in Paris, Avenue Foch.