{"id":361591,"date":"2022-01-11T13:04:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T18:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=361591"},"modified":"2022-01-14T18:50:43","modified_gmt":"2022-01-14T23:50:43","slug":"adrian-alan-marquetry-desk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/adrian-alan-marquetry-desk\/","title":{"rendered":"This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Adrian<\/a>
Regence-style marquetry writing desk, mid-19th century<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the pandemic era, a \u201cdesk\u201d may be whatever surface you can work on in an alcove or guest bedroom. So, we must remind ourselves that the piece can be noble and reach great heights of artistic achievement: Just look at the Regence-style marquetry writing desk<\/a> offered by Adrian Alan Fine Art & Antiques<\/a>, in London. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Made around 1870 in France but incorporating elaborate German marquetry dating to the 17th century, it is a glorious hybrid of European styles executed in ormolu<\/a> and wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Adrian<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe scale is distinctive because it\u2019s very large,\u201d says James Graham, director of the gallery, which specializes in the finest French furniture of the 19th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 88-inch-wide piece pulls off the trick of looking both massive and elegant. And it boasts yet another distinction: \u201cIt\u2019s a true partners desk,” Graham says, “with drawers on both sides.\u201d (Attention all couples working from home!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gleaming gilt-bronze<\/a> mounts are original. Like the cabriole legs<\/a> capped by cartouches, they are in great condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n