Elegant walnut drop-front desk finely carved with rocaille motifs, early 18th century

Elegant walnut drop-front desk finely carved with rocaille motifs, early 18th century Dimensions: H 110 x W 144 x D 56 cm Price: Private negotiation Item accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This elegant drop-front desk was made in the early 18th century from walnut wood, finely carved with rocaille motifs. It features a particular patina on the carvings, slightly darker and more lustrous, creating an effect similar to that of bronze. The drop-front desk is a piece of furniture composed of two parts, a lower and an upper one. The lower part has two drawers decorated with carvings of foliage motifs and beautiful gilt and chiseled bronze lock escutcheons. Above them is a refined and particular document drawer, which can be opened through the sculpture with curls and branches decorating the front. The upper part consists of an opening compartment equipped with a small drop-down door (called a "drop-front") which, rotating on pivots, can be lowered and raised as needed. When open, it provides a convenient writing surface and reveals a series of six small drawers in which to store study materials and small personal items. Behind the drawers there is a series of secrets. It is also very detailed inside, with the front of the drawers sculpted and depicting landscapes, natural elements such as plants, flowers and a bee, and sea views with sailboats. The drop-front desk rests on sinuous legs, slightly arched and moved, also carved with branches and phytomorphic and rocaille decorations. The inner part of the leg has been reinforced by applying an iron support that follows its movement and profile. The processing of this support, of difficult technical realization, was carried out meticulously and masterfully. Drop-front writing desks are very practical and elegant desk models, which have always been widely used and are still highly sought after today. This drop-front desk can also be placed in a contemporary house. It is ideal for creating a private corner, perfect inside a professional studio or in any other place, from the entrance to the living room, from the attic to the bedroom, giving the whole environment its timeless beauty.