Mazzarino desk veneered in precious woods, Baroque period, 18th century

Mazzarino desk veneered in precious woods, Baroque period, 18th century Dimensions: cm H 85 x W 130 x D 61 Price: private negotiation Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This Mazzarino desk was made in the Baroque period, in the first half of the 18th century. The name of this type of furniture derives from the surname of Louis XIV's prime minister, the powerful Cardinal Giulio Mazzarino, who succeeded Richelieu in office upon the latter's death in 1642. It is a type of furniture born in France during the 17th century and then established itself in the rest of Europe, always faithful to the same design. The structure of this Mazzarino is entirely veneered in rosewood, amaranth and Indian walnut. The rectangular top, with lobed front corners, and the sides of the piece of furniture are decorated with the use of different wood essences that exploit the colouration of the wood and the grain to create precious chromatic effects. Elegant inlays create volute motifs bordered by thin ivory fillets. As is customary for this type of furniture, the desk has a tripartite front, with convex side sections and three drawers on each side. In the centre of the Mazzarino we find an under-top drawer and a recessed door. The eight truncated-pyramidal legs are connected in two groups of four by crossed crosspieces, a quadrangular, moulded and gilded element, and circular feet. Near the uprights and legs, the Mazzarino is decorated with carved and gilded wooden friezes with volutes and vegetal ornaments. The quality of construction of this desk and some stylistic details allow it to be attributed to the workshop of the cabinetmaker Ludovico De Rossi. This type of desk is very decorative and refined. It can be placed in different furnishing contexts, next to antique or modern furniture. It can be used in a study or a living room, but also in an entrance hall or a bedroom.