Large Bureau d'Apparat, Louis XIV period

Paris, circa 1700 / 1710
H. 78cm x W. 197cm x D. 95,5cm
Height under the central drawer 58,2cm

After the "Mazarin" desks and well before the appearance of flat desks, the ebony and blackened pearwood pedestal desks became at the very end of the 17th century the mark of power and success in Paris. These desks, which fit perfectly with the Boulle marquetry, were manufactured until 1740, with obviously very different levels of quality, depending on the wealth of the clients. The dimensions, the design details, the models of the bronzes and their quality of execution, are all criteria that radically oppose an exceptional desk like ours to a modest desk with simple and often stiff lines, made late in the early Louis XV period.

This desk was made very early in the 18th century as evidenced by the reminiscence of the interior legs (the first black desks had 8 legs like the mazarin desks). It opens with a large central drawer, and four side drawers divided into two boxes. With its imposing dimensions, this desk was certainly ordered for a large castle. The bronze trim is of a rare quality, and the models unique. The ebony and blackened pearwood are inlaid with very carefully inlaid brass fillets, which is often not the case. All sides, this desk has the same framing of brass fillets at the back to simulate drawers; at this time the drop handles are present only at the front for the opening of the drawers; but on the other hand, the same bronzes decorate the back of the desk.

This piece has been completely restored: It has been completely dismantled and straightened, the drawer slides redone, the varnish "au tampon" redone, and the bronzes adjusted. The drawers insides are of the most beautiful walnut corroborating the end of the Louis XIV period. Finally, the high quality posterior leather has certainly been redone by "Maison Lemerle" in the 20th century, and presents a superb ornamentation with irons and gold leaf. It is worth noting the perfect state of conservation for a 300 years old piece of furniture. All the bronzes are original, as well as ebony veneer.