Object Description
Antique Mid-19th Century Ebonised Wood, Gilt Bronze and Pietra Dura Desk
French, c. 1860s
Dimensions: Height 77cm, width 134cm, depth 78cm
This Napoleon III period desk features a wonderfully eclectic design, blending together elements of the Rococo and Renaissance to create the beautiful Second Empire style. The desk’s four ebonised wood legs are of cabriole design, featuring foliate ormolu feet and striking ormolu espagnolettes in the shape of female busts. The apron of the desk is profusely decorated in further foliate ormolu mounts, with drawers to the front. Within ormolu borders, the apron is also inset with multicoloured pietra dura inlays, which depict flowers and foliate details. The top of the desk is a flat rectangular plateau crafted from red leather with an ormolu rim.