19th Century Louis XV Ladies Secretary, 1890s

Details

Description

Elegant ladies' secretary in the style of louis xv - napoleon iii, around 1880

this extraordinary ladies' secretary from the … Read more Elegant ladies' secretary in the style of louis xv - napoleon iii, around 1880

this extraordinary ladies' secretary from the napoleon iii period, made around 1880, is a testament to the highest level of craftsmanship and artistic sophistication. Inspired by the works of the 18th century, particularly the famous ébénists such as bernard ii van risen burgh (bvrb), this piece of furniture combines functional elegance with luxurious materials.


shape; design

the elegant body made of solid oak is artfully finished with elegant veneers made of rosewood and rosewood. The curved legs and the harmoniously proportioned body design reflect the grace of louis xv style. Particularly noteworthy is the masterful floral marquetry, which extends over the front and side parts of the bureau in the finest handwork.

elaborately gold-plated bronze fittings with floral decor create elegant accents. They come from the renowned quincaillerie leclerq à la providence, 151 rue du faubourg saint-antoine, paris, a traditional manufacturer that has been producing high-quality fittings and locks for luxury furniture since it was founded in 1840 to this day (link).


inner workings & equipment

behind the artfully decorated flap there is an interior that is both elegant and functional.

two small drawers offer space for writing utensils or personal items.
multiple compartments allow you to store letters, documents or memorabilia in an orderly manner.
the writing surface is equipped with the original leather cover, which has a gentle patina and preserves the historical charm.

the piece of furniture has high quality original locks that ensure security and authenticity. The secretaire was professionally refurbished and finished with schell varnish


origin & provenance

an extraordinary piece of evidence confirms the exclusive origin of this secretary: the piece of furniture is proven to have been made by the company schneider & hanau ag in frankfurt am main sold. The renowned company, founded in 1899, was a respected dealer in art objects and antiques until its liquidation in 1931.


mass:

height: 94cm
width: 57cm
depth: 41cm


a homage to the paris ébénisterie

the present secretary has a direct stylistic connection to the work of bernard ii van risen burgh (bvrb), one of the most important ebonyists of the 18th century, whose works can now be admired in renowned museums such as the louvre in paris or the wallace collection in london. A comparable secretary was auctioned in paris on october 24, 2018 (link).


similar women's desks can be found in major collections and are featured in works such as:


pierre kjellberg – le mobilier français du xviiie siècle
judith miller – beautiful old things, p. 99
christopher payne – 19th century european furniture


an artistic piece of jewelry with history

this secretary was not just a piece of furniture, but a personal retreat. Private letters were written here, diaries were kept and valuable mementos were stored here. In the luxurious salons of the 19th century, such a piece of furniture not only served function, but was also an expression of sophisticated taste and social status.

whether as a decorative highlight or as a stylish addition to a high-quality collection - this ladies' secretary tells the story of an era in which furniture was not only functional, but an expression of elegance, taste and the highest level of craftsmanship. A true work of art that brings the spirit of bygone times into the present. See less