18th Century French Louis XVI Period Mahogany Secretary Desk

18th Century French Louis XVI Period Mahogany Secretary Desk is a marvel of the cabinetmaker's art, rendered from prized imported mahogany and hand-cast bronze to create a masterpiece that will draw admiration for generations to come!  The tailored neoclassical architecture includes mitered cornerposts with fluting and foliate crown providing a framework for the drawer facades.  Each of the three full width drawers is designed to magnify the sheer natural beauty of the wood, accentuated by intricately detailed pulls and key guards that are a study in artistic effort unto themselves, encompassing rams' heads and garlands.  The slant front on top is adorned solely with four rosettes on the corners and a matching key guard.  Two supports with brass knobs pull out when the desk is in use, and it is when the desk is open that the splendid cabinetry truly shines.  One immediately notices eight obvious drawers with brass pulls, but there are two subtly crafted drawers with undulating aprons over the cubby holes as well.  Centered in the entire affair is an arched cabinet door flanked by two pilasters adorned with marquetry, bronze pediments and bronze capitals.  The door opens to reveal a concealed drawer and cubby hole.  The generous writing surface is poised higher than typical desks of this period, indicating the obviously affluent person that commissioned the work was also unusually tall for his or her era.  Truly a magnificent example of artistry in furniture from the time of the founding of our great nation!
Circa 1790
Measures 44H x 45W x 23D; surface 34H