Maison Forest Signed French Louis XVI Style Writing Table - Late 19th Century

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 Louis Philippe period (1830–1848) fruitwood secretaire abattant fall front desk. Born in France in the mid-19th century, hand-crafted of rich solid fruitwood with warm wood tones, subtle grain detail, and nicely aged mellow patina over the whole. Finished in French Empire taste, having a molded cornice, concealed ogee frieze drawer with dovetail joinery, over fall front panel, opening to reveal original fitted interior gallery, with inset gilt tooled leather writing surface, large open shelf cubby, six drawers of various size, above double-door cabinet with brass shield escutcheon that opens to provide generous storage space, and an additional lower drawer for valuables hidden in the base molding, rising on square feet. Dimensions: (approx) 56.75" High 41" Wide, 17.5" Deep History/Back Story: Louis Philippe furniture had the same types and forms as the earlier French Restoration style, but with less decoration; comfort was the primary consideration. During the turbulent French Revolution and following Napoleon rule, Louis Philippe (1773-1850) remained in exile for 21 years until the Bourbon Restoration, when he became the King of the French from 1830 to 1848. For the first time, the developing upper class–not the monarchy–influenced the progression of this style’s characteristics. However, King Louis Philippe’s personality still inspired many aspects.  His casual nature reflected this style’s informal, comfortable build. Much of the style was taken from the personality of the King himself. Unlike his Bourbon predecessors, he wore business dress...

An antique Louis XVI style writing desk with beautiful patina. Hand crafted in France in the early 20th century, featuring a rich mahogany finish adorned with gilt bronze ormolu moun...

A scarce antique French fruitwood server / drinks table with beautifully aged warm patina. Born in France in the 19th century, hand-crafted...

19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Writing Table combines classic architecture with modern sensibilities creating a table that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, all while...

19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Writing Table ~ Desk makes an attractive addition to any room, and can double as a center table as it is beautifully embellished from all angles!...

A fine French 19th century Louis XVI style ebonized gilt bronze-mounted tulipwood, kingwood and fruitwood floral marquetry single-drawer center table, desk or writing table. The ornately decorated marquetry top, centered with a floral bouquet, butterflies, scrolls and acanthus. The raised on four fluted ebonized legs surmounted with gilt-bronze spigots...

This early nineteenth century Louis XVI style oak side table features hand carvings on all four sides. Its beveled top rests above a fluted apron. The hand pegged apron is detailed with a rosette on each end. A carved gadrooned garland appointed with a ribbon at the top details the back and a man...