Louis XVI style Desk in Amaranth and Satin Veneer, early 19th century

This elegant bureau plat is crafted from amaranth and satin veneer. The top is adorned with a beautiful antique leather surface in a nuanced green patina. It features two central drawers and two side pull-outs, all lined with dark leather. The piece is richly decorated with finely chiselled and gilded bronze mounts, including a moulded lingotière on the top; framed drawers with mouldings and bead friezes, extended in reserve on all four sides of the apron; lock escutcheons decorated with cartouches, scrolls, acanthus leaves, and laurel branches; drawer pulls; rings; ribbons adorned with pearls; and magnificent sabots, depicting laurel leaves and foliate scrolls, adorning the four feet.

Dimensions
• Height: 74 cm
• Length: 98 cm
• Depth: 56 cm

Early 19th Century

Typical of the finest Parisian workshops, this piece follows all the hallmarks of high-quality Louis XVI production but with a slightly later date. Its exceptional craftsmanship and the high quality of its details make it a superb and rare item.

Very good condition.


Both in terms of its craftsmanship and style, this piece of furniture follows the principles of the work produced by prominent Parisian cabinetmakers of German origin at the end of the 18th century, such as Jean-Henri RIESENER, Guillaume BENNEMAN, and Bernard MOLITOR.
One could thus draw a parallel with the small writing desk commissioned by Queen Marie-Antoinette from Riesener and delivered in 1777 to the Petit Trianon [1], or to the writing table supplied for Marie-Antoinette’s service and likely intended for Madame Élisabeth’s use, also at the Petit Trianon [2].

[1] GETTY MUSEUM, Los Angeles - Writing desk, 1777, inv. 71.DA.102.
[2] CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES, Versailles - Writing table, circa 1785, inv. V 5288.