Empire Cylinder Secretary in Cherrywood, 1810

Details

Description

Secretary

Empire, circa 1810, cherrywood, cylinder lock with pull-out writing surface, leather inlay, beautiful architectural interior,

3-drawer chest of drawers … Read more Secretary

Empire, circa 1810, cherrywood, cylinder lock with pull-out writing surface, leather inlay, beautiful architectural interior,

3-drawer chest of drawers base, shellac finish

Dimensions:

Height 122 cm

Width 107 cm

Depth 61 (94) cm

The main feature of this so-called cylinder secretary is its quarter-circle, cylindrical roll-top closure, as well as its clear, straight-lined construction, whose elegant austerity characterizes Empire and early Biedermeier furniture.

Functionally, the cylinder secretary is a two-part piece of furniture, consisting of the upper section with its pull-out writing surface covered in green leather, its beautiful architectural layout with small drawers and a central shelf bordered by a rounded arch, and the three-part chest of drawers base. The upper section of this cylinder secretary desk is finished with a small, continuous gallery, its corners crowned with spheres. The writing surface is extendable, providing even more legroom in front of the chest of drawers. The elegant, minimalist design is accentuated by the fine material of solid cherry wood with its subtle grain. Pilasters on the chamfered front corners, the diamond-shaped inlaid escutcheons on the lower drawers, and the thread-like inlays on the small drawers in the secretary section are further refined details that highlight the piece's elegance. See less