A fine gilt-bronze mounted and parquetry secretaire an abbatant of the Louis XVI period. With a moulded breche-d’alep marble top with canted corners, above a frieze drawer, the corners mounted with Doric columns and guttae. The drop front inlaid with cube parquetry and centred by a marquetry of ribbon tied musical instruments, musical notes and attributes of love such as quiver and lovebirds. The fallfront opens to reveal a leather lined writing slope and a fitted interior with small drawers and compartments, above two drawers veneered sans travers with a central medallion, raised on square tapering legs. This secretaire does not bear a stamp but all the features of high craftsmanship: the high quality of the detailed marquetry and the fine proportions in design. All leads to a cabinetmaker of Parisian background at a level of ebenists such as Pierre Roussel (1723-1782) or Nicolas Petit 1732-1791).
Condition: very good, minor wear consistent with age and use, refreshed French polish – detailed condition report on request
