Portfolio of Mr. d'André-François Le Berthon

This writing case is a utilitarian object of great refinement. Covered in red morocco decorated with rocaille motifs, it is trimmed with silver accessories dating from 1782 and bears in gold letters the name of Le Berthon, first president of the Bordeaux Parliament. This inscription - at first sight eloquent - may refer to two members of the same family who succeeded each other in this office in the middle of the 18th century. Testifying to the taste of the great Bordeaux parliamentary dynasties, the object has not yet revealed all its secrets...