Empire Secretaire with Fire Gilt Fittings, 1820s

Description

19th century empire secretary

france
mahogany
empire around 1820

dimensions: h x w x d: 143 x 97 x 49 … more 19th century empire secretary

france
mahogany
empire around 1820

dimensions: h x w x d: 143 x 97 x 49 cm

:
very fine french writing desk with delicate dimensions and a marvellous patina.

the front of the furniture is dominated by an interestingly grained and symmetrically mirrored mahogany veneer running through all the components. The mirrored grain is also continued on the columns.

the bronze decoration, which is cast in excellent quality, finely engraved and then fire-gilded, contrasts beautifully with the wood.
on the top left, for example, we see a bacchante harvesting grapes and on the right a small cupid with a bow and quiver on a rose bush. The large bronze relief in the centre shows the goddess diana in a chariot led by two putti. She holds a bow and torch firmly in her hands as she travels through the celestial circle at cloud-whirling speed.

the full columns, which rest on round pedestals, flank the doors and the writing flap. Visually, they support the slightly protruding head drawer and give the piece of furniture an architectural character.
this type of design can also be found when the writing surface is open. Behind the leather-covered writing surface, there is a stepped interior with round arches supported by columns. The mirror mounted on the back makes the temple-like structure appear deeper than it actually is.
on closer inspection, it is noticeable that the drawers of the writing compartment are all veneered with a single mahogany leaf. The absence of mouldings and traverses, which otherwise often serve as dividing elements between the drawers, emphasises the continuous grain.
the large drawer in the centre of the bottom step is locked with a secret latch.

the original key has an extravagant shank in the shape of a cloverleaf. The guide pin of the locks has the corresponding counter shape.

the two doors at the bottom close in tongue and groove, which can be clearly seen in one of the photos. Behind the doors is an open compartment and a drawer.

the top is topped with a loose belgian granite plate.
this plate is also certainly original. One of the photos clearly shows the hand-hewn back and the slightly different material thicknesses in the course of the top.

condition:
refurbished and very authentic condition.
the patina, the naturally grown colour of the wood, could be completely preserved by gently cleaning and refreshing the old shellac polish.
i assume that the furniture was exclusively closed in the previous possession. The wood of the body is pleasantly and evenly re-lightened. Please compare the colour tone in the secretary compartment with that of the outside of the furniture. The interior, which is protected from the sun, still has its original dark colour. less