1990s Lillian August French Provincial Painted Floral Slant-Front Secretary Desk With Brass Gallery

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Description

A richly decorative Lillian August slant-front secretary desk combining French Provincial and Rococo Revival influences with the designer's signature relaxed … Read more A richly decorative Lillian August slant-front secretary desk combining French Provincial and Rococo Revival influences with the designer's signature relaxed European aesthetic.

The painted wood case features an intentionally distressed, timeworn neutral finish embellished with delicate floral sprays, gilt-painted architectural borders and scrolling ornament. The slant front opens to form a generous writing surface and reveals a fitted interior containing numerous pigeonholes, open compartments, four small drawers and a central enclosed cabinet.

Below are two full-width storage drawers fitted with ornate brass floral swag handles and decorative escutcheons. A deeply sculpted Rococo apron flows into elegant cabriole legs enriched with shell, foliate and scroll carving.

An unusual brass gallery rail with turned finials crowns the desk, adding architectural presence and emphasizing its European-inspired character.

The combination of substantial storage, generous writing surface and relatively shallow closed depth makes this an especially versatile secretary for a bedroom, library, living room or sophisticated home office.

Bearing the original Lillian August brass maker's plaque.

Maker/Brand: Lillian August for Drexel Heritage
Country of Origin: China
Period: Most likely late 1990s to mid-2000s
Materials: Wood, brass
Overall closed dimensions: 46"W × 21.5"D × approximately 46"H including gallery
Case height: 42.5"H
Open depth: 36"D
Writing height: 29.5"H
Writing surface depth: approximately 22.5" See less