18th Century Louis XVI Trompe l'Oeil Marquetry Desk or Secrétaire Chiffonière

Object Description

An excellent gilt-bronze mounted and trompe l’oeil marquetry secrétaire à abattant or secretaire chiffonière à la Grèque of the Louis XVI period.

Standing on four rectangular tapering feet with gilt-bronze sabots the straight rectangular body of the secretaire shows a mock tall boy or chiffonière front pretending to open to 10 frieze drawers: only the top drawer and the four bottom drawers can be used as such, whereas the center of the desk is decorated with a trompe l’oeil marquetry mocking five drawers, infact, the marquetry hides a fall front which opens to reveal a leather lined writing slope and a fitted interior with six small drawers and four compartments. All the drawers and mock drawers show a geometrical marquetry simulating fluting. The top of the secretaire is set with a slab of veined white marble, of rectangular form with shaped corners.

Object History

The design of the secrétaire chiffonière with its consequent use of a geometric pattern simulating fluting within its strict outline in shape appears almost of a modern concept. The desk does not bear a stamp but all the features of high craftsmanship: the high quality of the detailed marquetry and the fine proportions in design.

Object Condition

very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, min. fading, French polish refreshed – detailed condition report on request

Object Details