Object Description
Antique French gilt bronze and mahogany bonheur du jour
French, Late 19th Century
Height 117cm, width 78cm, depth 54cm
Made in France in the late 19th century, this elegant bonheur du jour is made from a selection of high quality materials. This type of writing desk was first introduced in France in the late 18th century and quickly became a fashionable addition to an interior space.
A lockable cabinet surmounts the writing desk. Made from mahogany, it is topped by a pierced ormolu gallery above a cavetto frieze. Below, an unusual set of doors (one long twin hinged twin panelled door and one short panelled door) open with a twist of a key to reveal an adjustable mahogany shelf.
The desktop is covered by a glass panel matching its shape. The secretaire drawer below is mounted with an ormolu frame and an ornate escutcheon. Once unlocked, it opens to show compartments, each one with a different function. A central, rectangular open compartment is flanked by two mahogany drawers on each side. In front is a gilt, tooled leather surface on which one can comfortably write. To allow for easy access to the storage compartments and the writing surface, the secretaire drawer door folds down.
Four reeded baluster shaped legs attach the top construction with the under tier, while four fluted tapering toupie feet with ormolu sabots provide support for the whole construction of this bonheur du jour.
This cleverly designed ladies’ writing desk would make a magnificent addition to both modern and traditional interior spaces, for example an office.