Secrétaire: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Secrétaire?

A secrétaire (sometimes spelled secretaire) is a writing desk fitted with drawers, shelves, or interior compartments, and often featuring a hinged or sliding writing surface that can be closed and locked. It served as a private and secure space for writing, correspondence, and storing important documents and valuables. Secrétaires were particularly popular from the 18th century onwards, reflecting a growing emphasis on personal correspondence and the need for discreet storage.

History of the Secrétaire

The evolution of the secrétaire can be traced back to earlier forms of writing furniture, such as chests on stands and slant-front desks. However, the true secrétaire, with its distinctive features of a drop-front writing surface and fitted interior, emerged in France during the reign of Louis XV (1715-1774). The French term "secrétaire" itself translates to "secretary" in English, highlighting the furniture's intended function.

Initially, secrétaires were luxury items crafted for the aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie. They were often highly ornamented with marquetry, gilt bronze mounts, and exotic veneers, reflecting the opulence of the Rococo period. As the 18th century progressed, the secrétaire's popularity spread throughout Europe and America, and its design adapted to suit changing tastes and social needs.

The French Revolution brought about significant changes, influencing furniture design. The elaborate Rococo style gave way to the more restrained and neoclassical forms associated with the Directoire and Empire periods. Secrétaires from this era often feature simpler lines, geometric shapes, and classical motifs such as laurel wreaths and palmettes.

During the 19th century, the secrétaire continued to evolve, with various styles emerging, including the Biedermeier style in Central Europe and the Victorian style in England and America. Mass production techniques also made secrétaires more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Identifying a Secrétaire: Key Features

Several key characteristics can help in identifying a secrétaire:

• Drop-Front or Cylinder Front: The most defining feature is the hinged or sliding front that opens to reveal a writing surface and interior compartments. A drop-front secrétaire has a hinged panel that folds down to form the writing surface, while a cylinder-front secrétaire has a curved or rolling panel that slides up and back.
• Fitted Interior: Inside, a secrétaire typically contains a variety of drawers, shelves, pigeonholes, and sometimes secret compartments. These compartments were designed to organize writing materials, letters, and other personal items.
• Height: Secrétaires are generally taller than standard desks, as they often incorporate storage space both above and below the writing surface.
• Locking Mechanism: A locking mechanism is usually present to secure the drop-front or cylinder front, protecting the contents within.
• Material and Decoration: The materials and decoration used in a secrétaire's construction can provide clues about its origin and period. Common materials include various hardwoods, such as mahogany, walnut, and rosewood, as well as veneers of exotic woods. Decoration can range from simple inlays to elaborate marquetry, carving, and gilt bronze mounts.

Styles of Secrétaire

Secrétaires have been produced in a wide range of styles, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic trends of their time. Here are some of the most common styles:

• Louis XV (Rococo): Characterized by asymmetrical curves, elaborate ornamentation, and a sense of lightness and grace. Materials often include exotic veneers, gilt bronze mounts, and marble tops.
• Louis XVI (Neoclassical): Features straighter lines, geometric shapes, and classical motifs such as fluting, laurel wreaths, and palmettes. Mahogany and other hardwoods are commonly used, often with restrained marquetry.
• Directoire: A transitional style between Louis XVI and Empire, characterized by simple lines and a focus on functionality.
• Empire: Inspired by ancient Roman and Egyptian art, the Empire style features bold, symmetrical designs and classical motifs such as eagles, sphinxes, and caryatids. Mahogany is the predominant wood, often with gilt bronze ornamentation.
• Biedermeier: A style popular in Central Europe during the early 19th century, characterized by simple, elegant designs and a focus on functionality. Light-colored woods such as birch and cherry are commonly used.
• Victorian: A broad term encompassing a variety of styles that were popular during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Victorian secrétaires can be highly ornamented, with elaborate carving, inlays, and veneers.

Variations and Related Furniture Forms

While the basic form of the secrétaire remains consistent, there are several variations and related furniture forms worth noting:

• Secrétaire à abattant: This is the classic drop-front secrétaire, where the writing surface folds down.
• Secrétaire à cylindre: Features a sliding or rolling cylinder front that conceals the interior.
• Secrétaire en pente: A slant-front desk, which is a precursor to the secrétaire à abattant. The writing surface is angled, and the interior is fitted with compartments.
• Bonheur du jour: A small, elegant lady's writing desk with a raised superstructure containing drawers and shelves. It is often considered a related form to the secrétaire.
• Carlton House Desk: A type of writing desk with a horseshoe-shaped top and drawers and compartments on all sides. While not strictly a secrétaire, it shares some functional similarities.