A Very Fine Louis XVI Secretaire à Abattant / Writing Desk in Mahogany with Ormolu Mounts

Dimensions- width 90, depth 47 (closed), height 109

Circa: 1770 - 1790

Style: Louis XVI 

Place of Origin: France

Background:

This elegant secretaire (writing desk) embodies the refined aesthetics of the Louis XVI style, a classical revival that favored straight lines, symmetry, and architectural forms over the preceding Rococo curves. Key features include the clean rectangular silhouette, tapered and fluted legs, and rich wood veneers often accented with delicate stringing or banding. The defining characteristic is the "abattant" or fall-front, which drops down to reveal an interior fitted with small drawers and cubbies for writing essentials. The piece is further embellished with exquisite gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts, such as the decorative escutcheons, drawer pulls, and particularly the side-mounted candle holders, which were a functional and decorative element for evening work. These desks were highly prized for their beauty and practicality, serving as a sophisticated station for correspondence in a study, library, or drawing room.

Price Upon Request-