An exceptional 18th-century French Louis XVI period mahogany bureau plat (flat-top writing desk). Demonstrating the strict geometric rectilinearity and classical restraint of the late 18th-century neoclassical movement, this masterfully engineered desk features a rich, solid mahogany framework showcasing a deep, luminous historic patina.
The rectangular writing surface is inset with its original or early three-paneled leather top, beautifully framed by a mitered mahogany edge and finished with hand-rolled, blind-tooled geometric gilt borders. The front belt (la ceinture) houses three seamlessly integrated frieze drawers dressed in fine period gilt-bronze ring-pull escutcheons. Ingeniously designed for extended workspace, both short ends feature a matching pull-out extension slide (tirette) lined in flush-inset tooled leather with functional brass ring pulls.
The entire carcass is raised on four elegant, column-like fluted and tapered cylindrical legs. Each leg is accented with fine neoclassical ormolu collar rings and terminates in protective brass sabot feet. Finished on all sides to allow the desk to float prominently in an office or library, this piece exhibits exceptional cabinetmaking craftsmanship, from hand-planed oak linings to hand-cut joinery. A premier addition for discerning collectors of period French furniture.
Size: 29.5” H x 57” L x 29.5” D
C. 1780, France
An exceptional 18th-century French Louis XVI period mahogany bureau plat (flat-top writing desk). Demonstrating the strict geometric rectilinearity and classical restraint of the late 18th-century neoclassical movement, this masterfully engineered desk features a rich, solid mahogany framework showcasing a deep, luminous historic patina.
The rectangular writing surface is inset with its original or early three-paneled leather top, beautifully framed by a mitered mahogany edge and finished with hand-rolled, blind-tooled geometric gilt borders. The front belt (la ceinture) houses three seamlessly integrated frieze drawers dressed in fine period gilt-bronze ring-pull escutcheons. Ingeniously designed for extended workspace, both short ends feature a matching pull-out extension slide (tirette) lined in flush-inset tooled leather with functional brass ring pulls.
The entire carcass is raised on four elegant, column-like fluted and tapered cylindrical legs. Each leg is accented with fine neoclassical ormolu collar rings and terminates in protective brass sabot feet. Finished on all sides to allow the desk to float prominently in an office or library, this piece exhibits exceptional cabinetmaking craftsmanship, from hand-planed oak linings to hand-cut joinery. A premier addition for discerning collectors of period French furniture.
Size: 29.5” H x 57” L x 29.5” D
C. 1780, France
