19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Writing Desk

A striking French antique Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted writing table made after the model by cabinetmaker to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinetteean, important ébéniste Jean-Henri Riesener (German/French, 1734-1806) and later reproduced by Francois Linke (French, 1855-1946). Signed bronze mounts, Marco. Born in France in the early 19th century, possibly during the late 18th century Louis XVI period, most likely Parisian work, exquisitely hand-crafted in several woods of contrasting colors including walnut and mahogany to create fine wooden inlays and parquetry detailing. The original partially inset marble top with dramatic veining sits above a flat sided break-fronted front and back adorned with fine bas-relief bronze plaques cast adorned with putti cherubs in the manner of the French sculptor Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738-1814). The centered front bronze panel disguises a single frieze drawer with dovetail joinery and original key, flanked by gilded bronze foliate mounted rounded corners, a simulated panel drawer to the reverse, embellished on all four sides by intricate finely chiseled, chased and sculpted scrolling laurel ribbon and garland swag ormolu mounts, patinated brass running ornamentation, rising elegantly on four bronze dore ring mounted straight tapering fluted legs, terminating in patinated bronze toupie feet sabots. Signed / marks; the bronzes are stamped / incised Marco. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Property from the Collection of Gloria Monnet Nicholson, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction, catalog #8085. Dimensions: (approx) 30" High, 32" Wide 21.5" Deep As warm and attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a side table, petite bureau...

A rare and exceptionally inlaid antique slant-front drafting desk. circa 1900 Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, likely French, one piece desk on frame form, having a sloped fr...

Castle worthy desk, solid wood. Rosewood veneer edged by finely engraved brass fittings. On angled, with four looking forward, imposing female busts on curly legs, on all sides scalloped, dreischübige frame with slightly recessed and elevated knee compartment. Protruding, profiled and curved writing...

A perfect example of the Bureau Plat. French Empire style desk with wood marquetry and gilt metal mounts at all angles. This piece features three working drawers on the front with three faux drawers on the back. The superb gilt metal hardware is on the front as well as the back. The four arched legs grace gorgeous gilt metal decor...