Antique French Louis XV Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat Desk, Circa 1860

Details

Description

Antique French Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat

French, Circa 1860 (with possible 18th-century influences or earlier elements)

A … Read more Antique French Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat

French, Circa 1860 (with possible 18th-century influences or earlier elements)

A superb mid-19th-century French bureau plat in the Louis XV Rococo revival style, crafted circa 1860 during the opulent Second Empire (Napoleon III) period. This stunning desk exemplifies the highest standards of Parisian cabinetmaking, likely produced by one of the premier maisons such as Maison Krieger, Paul Sormani, François Linke, or Henri Dasson — all renowned for museum-quality recreations of 18th-century masterpieces.

While the form and ormolu mounts are consistent with 1860s craftsmanship, the exceptionally fine marquetry of birds and flowering vines shows possible late-18th-century influence or of the period.

Note: Even unsigned, the quality is equivalent to signed examples.

Materials & Construction
Component
Details
Primary Woods
Kingwood (bois de violette) with rich golden-brown figuring, used in veneers across all surfaces.

Secondary Woods

Satinwood, tulipwood, and stained fruitwoods for contrasting marquetry; oak or beech structural carcass.

Marquetry

Exquisite floral, avian, and scrolling foliate inlays. Central drawer features two birds in flight amid arabesque vines; side panels display perched birds on crests. Reverse mirrors the front with asymmetrical variation—indicative of bespoke, hand-crafted work.

Inlaid Top

Original rectangular top with central scrolling cartouche, floral sprays, and foliate borders framed in gilt-bronze edging. Beautifully patinated; the front of the desk, left side, below the drawer's above the edge, shows minor age-related veneer loss.

Ormolu (Gilt Bronze)

Finely chased and gilded mounts: six tassel-form drawer handles with foliate motifs, acanthus leaf corner cascades, and acanthus-scroll sabots. Retains original gilding with desirable light wear.

Finish

French-polished surface with a warm, glowing patina. Minor shrinkage and wear are consistent with age.

Design & Functionality

Form: Classic bureau plat with kneehole configuration — one long central drawer flanked by two smaller drawers per side (five functional drawers total).
All Sides Finished: Suitable for placement in the center of a room — a hallmark of high-status furniture.
Legs: Graceful inlaid marquetry cabriole form terminating in ormolu sabots.
Proportions: Elegant and balanced; at 52 inches in length, ideal for use in a study, library, or executive office.
Dimensions

Measurement Length 52 in Depth 27 in Height 32 in
Kneehole Height~25 in

Condition

Wood: Good structural integrity. Veneer loss to the front of the desk, below drawers on the left edge, stable shrinkage consistent with age.
Marquetry: Intact and vivid; light discoloration and surface wear appropriate to age. Rectangular parquetry on the edges of all five drawers does have missing pieces.
Ormolu: Original gilding with gentle rubbing to high points, producing an elegant patina. No recasting.
Top: Original inlaid surface with age-appropriate scuffs, small stains, and color variation — there are some areas with discoloration, overall well-preserved.
Structure: Sound and functional; all six gilt-bronze handles present and secure.


A magnificent, beautiful desk of 19th-century French craftsmanship inspired by the Louis XV aesthetic, blending rich marquetry artistry with finely chased gilt-bronze mounts and elegant proportions. The desk’s warm patina, full ormolu mounts, and refined naturalistic motifs place it among the finest bureau plats of its era. See less