Object Description
Pair of impressive marble, porcelain, and ormolu mounted Victorian secretaires
English, 19th Century
Height 126cm, width 77cm, depth 37cm
This stunning pair are a showcase of English craftmanship, executed at the height of the Victorian era.
Standing on four elegant legs with brass and ormolu details, a mirrored backsplash sits below the main body, allowing the owner to fully appreciate the beautiful construction as well as giving an illusion of increased depth.
The main bodies are fronted by a central fall-front lockable door, crafted from ebonised wood. The wood is mounted with several Sèvres-style porcelain plaques, painted with colourful fruit bunches, Rococo-esque courting couples, and charming putti. Each design is surrounded by a border in the bleu céleste ground typical of Sèvres porcelainware, and ormolu borders and scrolled motifs are also mounted to the façade. Corresponding porcelain plaques can be found on the apron and sides of the antique.
When opened, the pieces reveal a leather-lined writing surface and spacious storage compartments, with a shelf and five drawers of varying sizes. The drawers feature ormolu handles. The apron is also set with a push-button drawer. Impressive ormolu caryatid forms separate the front from the sides.
The cabinets are both capped by a slap of Sienna marble with a refined edge design. Below sit egg-and-dart ormolu friezes, plus a repetitive scrolling pattern.
The extensive decorative and functional features of this pair of secretaires make them highly desirable pieces of antique furniture.