Biedermeier Dressing Table, 1810

Details

Description

Antique biedermeier make-up and writing desk

southern germany
cherry
early 19th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 81 x … Read more Antique biedermeier make-up and writing desk

southern germany
cherry
early 19th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 81 x 104 x 50 cm


this extraordinary antique piece is a coiffeuse ("dressing table"), which was originally intended for a lady's dressing room, but can also be used perfectly as a small desk.

the piece of furniture was made in the early 19th century and already has the cubist basic shape and symmetry in the veneer pattern characteristic of the biedermeier period, but still has the classicist fittings and the geometrically structured surfaces with inlays - which correspond to the stylistic taste of the late 18th century. From around 1815, the straightforward formal language of the biedermeier period spread throughout central europe, from austria-hungary to sweden, reflecting the tastes of the rapidly growing bourgeoisie.

at first glance, the piece of furniture appears to be a simple desk, but it can be opened upwards to reveal a spacious and cleverly designed interior. The centre section of the table top can be used as an openable mirror, while the panels on the left and right can be folded outwards to reveal a storage space underneath, divided into numerous compartments and small drawers. Removing the entire element reveals a hidden compartment that was probably originally intended for storing secret documents or similar.

the front of the furniture is divided into a row of three false drawers, which conceal the inner compartments accessible from above, and four drawers below, which are fully functional and provide additional storage space.
the front is veneered with beautiful, mirror-image cherry wood, accentuated by darker, inlaid wooden strips. A similar design can also be found on the sides and on the three panels of the table top.
the brass handles are adorned with detailed fruit and flower basket motifs - classic and decorative.

if we look at the details of this coiffeuse, we recognise the high quality of furniture making at the time. The dovetail joints on the drawers and the removable tray are neatly executed and the well-chosen and neatly laid veneers are a quality feature of fine cabinetmaking in the early 19th century.

worth knowing:
the coiffeuse (french for "dressing table") is a further development of the earlier poudreuse, a table originally intended for applying hair powder. While the poudreuse was in great demand in the 18th century, when powdered wigs were in fashion, the coiffeuse emerged when women needed more space for cosmetics and personal items.
the coiffeuse on offer here beautifully demonstrates the sophisticated storage solutions that met women's new demands for make-up and styling furniture. However, the coiffeuse was not exclusively intended for ladies, as towards the end of the 18th century it was often equipped with a writing surface and an inkwell to meet the needs of gentlemen as well.

condition:
refurbished, suitable for everyday use and fully functional condition with a classic shellac hand polish.

a piece of furniture, similar in design and function, can be found in the specialised literature:
wolfgang eller - möbel des klassizismus louis xvi und empire p. 270 See less