French Antique Louis XVI Secretaire, 1780

French Antiques – exquisite quality and elegant design.

Louis XVI secretaire, France 1780.

This is a must have piece for every lover of French antiques or Louis XVI furniture. The elegant 18th century secretaire features a beautiful walnut veneer.  Complemented is the walnut veneer by a superb geometric designed marquetry, composed of plum wood and satinwood.

The marquetry bands frame the mirrored walnut veneer on the outside of the writing top and the veneer and hardware on the two bottom drawers. The inside with its central compartment and 7 small drawers repeats this motif  beautifully in a slightly simpler manner.

Influence from Ancient Art

The discoveries at the archeological sites at Herculaneum and Pompeii had a big impact on European artists and designers of this time and the French Louis XVI style.

Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV, had sent a group of scholars to Italy to report on the findings. The engravings of Greek and Roman art inspired many furniture designers. Particularly the ebenistes, who were responsible for the design of the marquetry, studied these prints.

The so called Neoclassical phase emerged in Europe which resulted in a more geometrical design. The decorations moved away from the curved and playful Rococo and Louis XV style to a more severe and linear use of form.

These are also the main features of this original Louis XVI secretaire.

Condition and Measurements

It is carefully refinished and French polished. The leather of the writing top is replaced.The sides of the secretaire might have been restored in the 19th century.

The secretaire ships from Germany and includes shipping to Boston.

It measures 41.74 x 39.38 x 20.48 inches.

Please also read our blog for more information about the History Of Louis XVI Antique Furniture.

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