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Walnut Carved Secretaire Desk from H. Dufin, France, 19th Century

About the Item

Beautiful fine carved secretary desk. The desk was made by the famous French cabinet maker Honoré Dufin. The secretary is signed on both sides by 'Bonjour'. This Bonjour took over the business from Dufin at the end of the 19th century. Characteristic motifs for the Dufin style are its bas reliefs, embossed carvings, a wide variety of different motifs within a single piece of furniture. Holly and acanthus often come back in his work. Fans of Dufin describe the style of Dufin as follows: "It dances, it moves, it is sweet and it is lively." Also note the beautiful quality of the walnut of this furniture. The color is midway between honey and walnut. The interior of this secretary has also been made with the necessary attention. Here are used veneered hardwood and birds-eye wood. The mirror at the rear of the interior has some stains. Below you will find more information about the work of Honoré Dufin. Honoré Dufin, born in the 19th century and died in 18921, is a French sculptor and cabinet maker. He mainly worked on wood carving to create neo-Renaissance furniture. Honoré Dufin moved to Lyon in 1876 and opened his store at 8 rue Saint-Dominique. His studio is located at Place des Celestins from 1880-1894. His second shop, at no. 49 rue de la Republique, furniture exhibits. He received awards at French and international exhibitions, and became an Academy Officer in 1890. Honoré Dufin died in 1892, circa 1900, Roubo dedicates a book [ref. necessary], recognizing the influence of Dufin on his art. Dufin pays great attention to the finesse of decoration by his statuary art. He likes walnut for his qualities or fineness, strength and color. According to the municipal archives of Lyon, his will provided in 1892 for the creation of an annual prize to be awarded to the most deserving student in the sculpture section of the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon. His shops will be passed on in 1900 by Henri Bonjour, designer of furniture stores, the new store located at no. 29 Liberty Street named then Colossal Rhodes.
  • Creator:
    Honoré Dufin (Cabinetmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 57.88 in (147 cm)Width: 25.99 in (66 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance Revival (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Casteren, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4904215593712

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