| "Initially, it is very surprising that it is a luxury piece, of all things, created in the darkest period of the 20th century, that passes a comment of religious, cultural and societal nature. Leleu's choice of 'Adam and Eve' as the central motif for his credenza certainly surpasses a mere decorative purpose. The history of paradise is part of the common heritage of the three monotheistic world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The core questions of humanity are addressed here: How did Death, Sin and Evil originate and how can man be delivered from it? The relationship of man and woman, man and nature are part of the symbolism as well. In acquiring this piece of furniture, one not only obtains a masterpiece of French Ébéniste art but also a historic document, as the common roots of great civilisations are pointed out, then as now cause and pretence for worldwide conflicts.
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