Biedermeier Walnut Desk, Vienna 1820

This Biedermeier walnut desk comes from Vienna and dates back to 1820. It stands out for its exquisite walnut root veneer on the top of the table. Additionally, the hexagonal legs have an unusual herringbone veneer pattern. There is one central drawer in the apron of the table.
The design of this Biedermeier walnut desk shows the influence of the famous Austrian Biedermeier furniture designer Josef Danhauser (1780-1829). Danhauser was the leading furniture maker in Vienna at that time and had many royal patrons.

Historical Background

The early 19th-century Biedermeier style marks the transitional period between Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

The Biedermeier Period lasted from 1815 to 1848 after the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

It was a period of transition in Northern and Central Europe, especially in Germany and Austria.

After decades of war, Europeans wanted peace, and so reform movements and liberal ideas took a backseat.

As a result, authoritarian governments rose to power in multiple countries in the proceeding decades.

In Germany and Austria, a prospering middle class that was a permanent part of an industrialized, urban nation was still relatively new.

Despite their growing affluence, many middle-class citizens felt ambiguous about their standing and the future.

Domineering governments discouraged political activism, which led people to create comfort in their own lives.

Stylistically, Biedermeier furniture softened the rigidity of the Empire style. The cabinet makers used light, native woods and avoided the use of metal ornamentation.

Details

The desk comes in professionally refinished condition with a shellac hand polish. It measures 29.53 x 49.61 x 27.17 inches (75 cm x 126 cm x D 69 cm).
It ships from Germany and includes shipping costs to Boston.

Please also compare another Biedermeier desk on our site.

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