A mid-18th century Lady’s desk, its shaped fall-front opening to reveal a red leather-lined writing surface, four drawers, pigeon-holes and a secret door, with two small drawers and one full-lenght drawer above a shaped apron, on tapering cabriole legs. The piece is veneered in tulipwood and amaranth with a beautiful interior fitting, all made in the manner of Jean-Charles Ellaume, maitre en 1754, but does not bear a stamp.
Although the dates of his birth and death are unrecorded it is known that Jean-Charles Ellaume was received as a maître-ébéniste in 1754 and worked for more than 30 years from his Parisian workshop in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. His work was of the finest quality, ornamented with intricate veneers and superb gilt bronze mounts. His furniture is included in the collections of the Chateau de Morlanne, and Vendeuvre, the Chateau Royal de Wawel, Krakow and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bernay.
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, French polish refreshed – detailed condition report on request
