Neoclassical Writing Desk with Marquetry, 1826

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Exquisite Neoclassical writing desk with elaborate marquetry dated 1826 (in the marquetry) from Southern Germany in walnut, among other wood … Read more Exquisite Neoclassical writing desk with elaborate marquetry dated 1826 (in the marquetry) from Southern Germany in walnut, among other wood veneers on an oak structure. The piece of furniture is dominated by extravagant marquetry. The central motif on the door of the writing desk is inlaid with trompe-l'œil of classical city architecture, complete with a small group of people and carriage with finely engraved features of the figures dressed in the costumes of the period. The quality of the shading on the buildings is particularly noteworthy, lending the architectural scenes both a sculptural as well as three-dimensional effect. The visual division of the three drawers depict landscape scenes with castles, churches, group of half-timbered houses, hills, trees and birds. In keeping with the prevailing taste of Neoclassicism, castles were a popular subject, as they served as reminders of the great architectural achievements of antiquity and bygone eras. The absence of handles, which would have disrupted the image is compensated with keyholes and keys for pulling out the drawers. Inside the writing compartment, on the outside panels and on the tapered legs filet bands are present in incredible abundance among the burl-wood inlay work. This design choice certainly underscores the creator's intention to craft the secretary not simply as a piece of furniture, but as a work of art. The Neoclassical period generally spanned from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century (roughly 1750 to 1850). However, the exact dates depend heavily on the field and the region, as the movement influenced art, architecture, literature, and music. Art & Architecture: Flourished from the 1760's to the 1840's. It emerged as a reaction against the excessive, ornate Rococo and Baroque styles. It was heavily spurred by the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Literature: Françoise Lévy-Coblentz - L’art du meuble en Alsace au siècle des Lumières, p. 330, ill. CXL See less