A French Louis-Philippe Period Black Painted Clerk’s Desk c.1850

Object Description

The well-proportioned black painted pine clerk’s desk of counter form, the whole having elegant scrolled legs to a hinged sloping writing surface with lozenge escutcheon opening to reveal a vacant interior, being untouched from its heavy use throughout the decades, the carcass with an exceptional bitumen encrusted patina to the original painted surface, the front and sides being panel fielded, the reverse with a lower shaped shelf, the whole on a plinth base and surviving from Louis-Philippe period France.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

The attractive fielded panels to the front of the piece indicate that this was the facing side and would have greeted clients, or guests to the venue of where it was in situe; for example a hotel foyer or shop front. What is sure is that this table would have been part of the daily life in the same room for decades at which the user could either stand at or sit at on a high stool. The lines of this piece are very much of the period; simpler, rounder, and softer with very little ornamentation than in previous periods.

Representing the essence of the period’s style, this is a highly decorative and versatile piece could be used as intended or as a hall table or perhaps a unique desk for the creative.

Object Condition

She remains in a good untouched and original state and has been simply waxed to protect her idiosyncrasies. The original finish is worn in some areas, as photographed, at the areas of heaviest use, as are the table edges though this is of course all desirable, and expected, all in the right places. The sloping lid is sturdy and the original lock remains though we have no key and there is a vacant hole for an ink well.

Object Details