Empire Secretary, Vienna, Austria, 1810s

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Exceptional Viennese Empire secrétaire with a classically structured design: two lower doors, a flat drop-front writing surface, and a wide … Read more Exceptional Viennese Empire secrétaire with a classically structured design: two lower doors, a flat drop-front writing surface, and a wide drawer at the top. The piece stands on ebonized and gilt lion’s paw feet. The corners are framed by flat, ebonized pilasters with imaginative volute-shaped capitals adorned with festoons and finished in gold.

The rich mahogany veneer is dramatically contrasted by black framing, highlighted by horseshoe-shaped brass stringing that continues in a flowing pattern around the central keyhole, covered by a mascaron mount.

The interior features a deep compartment with columnar divisions, six drawers, and open shelving above. The writing surface is covered in black leather. Expertly restored and hand-polished. See less