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Antique French Ormolu Mounted Roll Top Desk in the Style of Riesener
$62,440.91
£45,000
€53,214.27
CA$85,430.96
A$95,418.58
CHF 49,582.39
MX$1,162,006.27
NOK 629,807.17
SEK 593,459.88
DKK 397,043.01
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About the Item
Antique French ormolu mounted roll top desk in the style of Riesener
French, 19th Century
Height 120cm, width 146cm, depth 73cm
This magnificent 19th-century bureau à cylindre, also known as a roll top desk, is a remarkable tribute to the opulent Louis XV style. Reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of French royal furniture, it draws inspiration from the celebrated work of Jean-Henri Riesener (German, 1734-1806) and Jean-François Oeben (German, 1721-1763), master cabinetmakers to the king and creators of the famed Bureau du Roi.
Topped with a richly veined rouge marble slab, the desk is bordered by an ornate pierced ormolu gallery. Below, the tambour top features a finely detailed ormolu relief of Minerva, the Roman deity associated with wisdom, the arts, and warfare. This central motif is flanked by two decorative marquetry panels, one depicting Geography, the other Astronomy - evocative of Enlightenment-era values rooted in discovery and intellectual pursuit.
Opening the roll-top reveals a gilt-tooled leather writing surface that slides outwards to expand the work area. Inside are five pigeonholes and four small drawers, offering practical and neatly concealed storage. To each side, leather-lined slides can be drawn out, providing additional workspace when required.
Beneath the writing area, the frieze is fitted with several drawers - a large central one above the kneehole, two smaller ones to the left, and one to the right. Each drawer varies in size and includes lockable mechanisms for secure storage. Many are adorned with floral marquetry, bordered in intricately cast ormolu mounts.
The side panels of the desk echo the front’s decoration, showcasing elaborate military and maritime motifs rendered in fine marquetry and highlighted with ormolu accents.
The reverse side is equally finished with corresponding marquetry scenes and decorative symmetry, allowing the piece to be displayed prominently in the centre of a room.
An especially rare and desirable feature of this piece is the retention of its original polychrome marquetry finish - a detail seldom preserved in desks of this age, as the colours typically fade with time.
The entire structure rests on elegantly curved cabriole legs, each fitted with pierced ormolu sabots. Rich ormolu ornamentation continues throughout the design, embellishing corners, edges, and structural elements, and reinforcing the desk’s extraordinary level of detail and quality.
Combining symbolic artistry, refined materials, and regal aesthetics, this exceptional antique desk stands as a testament to the sophistication of 19th century French furniture.
- Similar to:Jean-Henri Riesener (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 47.25 in (120 cm)Width: 57.49 in (146 cm)Depth: 28.75 in (73 cm)
- Style:Louis XV (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 179371stDibs: LU956345139542
About the Seller
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The Bureau du Roi, also known as the secrétaire à cylindre, is among the most celebrated masterpieces of 18th century furniture design—an unparalleled example of French craftsmanship and regal opulence. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1760, the project was entrusted to ébéniste du roi Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). However, Oeben passed away before its completion and his successor, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), finalised the desk in 1769.
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This magnificent desk is crowned with a decorative clock, draped in festoons and accompanied by two playful putti and a finely sculpted dog. Twin ormolu urns rest atop an openwork gallery, leading to additional flower-filled ormolu vases. Flanking the central roll-top panel are finely cast ormolu figures of Apollo and Calliope, each supporting a twin-light scrolling acanthus candelabrum.
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