French Chestnut and Oak Desk From Le Grand Monarque à Chartres, Circa 1720

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Hand-carved, circa 1720, using chestnut and oak woods, this desk was recently part of Le Grand Monarque hotel in Chartres, … Read more Hand-carved, circa 1720, using chestnut and oak woods, this desk was recently part of Le Grand Monarque hotel in Chartres, France. The desk has been stripped at some point, allowing the beautiful wood grain and round dowel construction to become focal points.

The stunning desk has a shaped top with quarter round molding. A 23 ½” W seat opening is topped by a concave front drawer with a bronze drop handle affixed by a pair of rosette mounts. Similar handles can be seen on each of the four main drawers, which are surrounded by thick cavetto molding. These drawers also have a scalloped keyplate and mounts of two putti hunting dragons hidden amongst foliage. Interestingly, the sides are comprised of four rectangular panels, with the two nearest to the straight back side being functional drawers.

Known as a bureau caissiers (“cashier’s desk”), the desk sits on two block feet in the back and four ¾ round feet in the front. The desk is 25 ¾ tall but could easily be raised to accommodate taller users. It is the perfect table for an office or library. For unique placement, it would make an amazing makeup table for a woman’s boudoir. See less