A late 18th century Louis XVI mahogany bureau plat or writing desk. The rectangular brass banded top accentuated by projecting round forecorners. Set with a finely gold tooled green leather writing surface above three frieze drawers opposing three dummy drawers all with beaded gilt-bronze banding. The right front drawer opens to reveal a pull-out storage compartment with a hidden safe behind. Veneered with mahogany on an oak carcase, with candle slides on each side, on fluted tapering legs terminating in in gilt-bronze sabots. The beautifully conserved patina of the wooden surface emanates warmth and depths. This bureau plat with its clear geometric design executed in mahogany and gilt-bronze can be compared to the works of the Paris ébénist Charles Bernard Provost (1706-1786, maitre 1737).
See: Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier francais du XVIIIe siècle, Paris 2008, p. 719/720
Condition: very good, minor wear consistent with age and use, refreshed French polish – detailed condition report on request
