Antique French Signed Marco Louis XVI Writing Table After Jean-Henri Riesener

Description

A striking French antique Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted writing table made after the model by cabinetmaker to King … more A striking French antique Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted writing table made after the model by cabinetmaker to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinetteean, important ébéniste Jean-Henri Riesener (German/French, 1734-1806) and later reproduced by Francois Linke (French, 1855-1946). Signed bronze mounts, Marco.

Born in France in the early 19th century, possibly during the late 18th century Louis XVI period, most likely Parisian work, exquisitely hand-crafted in several woods of contrasting colors including walnut and mahogany to create fine wooden inlays and parquetry detailing. The original partially inset marble top with dramatic veining sits above a flat sided break-fronted front and back adorned with fine bas-relief bronze plaques cast with putti cherubs in the manner of the French sculptor Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738-1814).

The centered front bronze panel disguises a single frieze drawer with dovetail joinery and original key, flanked by gilded bronze foliate mounted rounded corners, a simulated panel drawer to the reverse, embellished on all four sides by intricate finely chiseled, chased and sculpted scrolling laurel ribbon and garland swag ormolu mounts, patinated brass running ornamentation, rising elegantly on four bronze dore ring mounted straight tapering fluted legs, terminating in patinated bronze toupie feet sabots. Estampée / signed; Marco.

PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Property from the Collection of Gloria Monnet Nicholson, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction, catalog #8085.

Dimensions: (approx)
30" High, 32" Wide 21.5" Deep

As warm and attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a petite bureau plat writing desk, library table or centre table, side table, lamp stand, oversized hall console and more!

Condition Report:
Good original antique condition. Presents splendidly, with warm, rich, nicely aged patina.

Retaining original antique character marks throughout, old restorations to marble with minor losses to stone at ends of repaired fracture. Minor losses to fluting at legs. All wear and tear consistent with age and indicative of use. Nothing that detracts from the overall display or functionality, but only add to the sophisticated antique character, authenticity, charming elegant warmth, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time. less