Empire Style French Secretary “Retour D’Egypte”

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Secretary from France in the Empire style. This piece is made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with … Read more Secretary from France in the Empire style. This piece is made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The cabinet boasts two bronze Egyptian pharaoh busts at the top of the sides. The drop front opens to a black leather writing surface. Inside there are several small drawers and shelving space for functionality. There are three dovetailed drawers below all with brass hardware. This piece is topped with an intact and original black marble slab. It is in excellent antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.

Following Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaign to Egypt (1798-1801), the “Retour d’Egypt” style became popular in France. Translating to “Return from Egypt”, it is often characterized by Egyptian female figures in a frontal pose and Egyptian headdress as well as other motifs of ancient Egypt. The Egyptian revival came in waves and often mixed with other French styles in vogue at the time such as Louis XVI and Empire. Egyptian imagery can still be found in furniture and architecture throughout France. See less