A rare and small 19th century, Louis XVI style bureau plat veneered in burr mahogany on an oak carcase set with brass mounts. The writing top covered with a green leather surface, the top accentuated by projecting round forecorners and further embellished by flower head mounts. The frieze with one drawer at the front and all sides adorned by a framed but continuous poppy motif „en térrasse“. Poppies symbolizing sleep and a presumed reference to its original position within a bedroom or Boudoir.
The creation and manufacture of the small bureau plat can be traced back to 18th century ébénists such as Martin Carlin (1730–1785, Meister ab 1766) and Jean-Henri Riesener (1734–1806, Meister ab 1768). Our 19th century bureau plat can be attributed to Alfred Beurdeley & fils, Paris. Alfred Beurdeley & fils specialized in high-quality, 18th century revivals and its extravagant style captured the attention of wealthy Parisians eager to decorate their estates with rare Louis XV and Louis XIV-style furnishings. Alfred Beurdeley & fils attended the International Exposition of 1878, the Amsterdam Exposition of 1893 (receiving ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur) and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889. In 1895 Beurdeley sold his famous collection and spent the remainder of his life in seclusion. His creations remain among the finest of the period.
See: Kjellberg, Pierre: Le mobilier francais du 18e siècle, Paris, 2008, p. 169, fig. p. 172
Payne, Christopher: European Furniture of 19th century, p. 195, below right Mestdagh, Camille: L’ameublement d’art francais 1850-1900, p. 11-14 and 16-18.
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, min. fading – detailed condition report on request
