Drop-front desk veneered in violet wood, France, mid-18th century, Louis XV period

Drop-front desk veneered in violet wood, France, mid-18th century, Louis XV period Dimensions: H 94 x W 83.5 x D 46 cm; D with the drop-leaf open 82 cm, H of the desk surface 69.5 cm Price: private negotiation Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This elegant drop-front desk was made in France around the mid-18th century, during the reign of Louis XV. The furniture is entirely veneered in precious violet wood, characterized by a color in which dark red alternates with violet streaks, allowing the cabinetmaker to create particular chromatic effects through the specular positioning of the panels according to the grain of the wood. The desk consists of two parts, a lower and an upper one. The lower part has two drawers embellished with locks with key and spouts in chiseled and gilded bronze. The upper part consists of an opening compartment equipped with a small drop-down door (called "ribalta") which, rotating on hinges, can be lowered and raised according to needs. When open, it provides a comfortable writing surface, lined in leather, and reveals a series of six small drawers and four open compartments, in which to store stationery and small personal items. Great attention to detail also on the inside, entirely veneered and with gilded bronze knobs for opening the drawers. Of particular value, the support bars of the drop-leaf, when open, are in iron with terminal knobs in gilded bronze. The drop-leaf rests on graceful and sinuous legs with a slightly arched shape. All four legs are enriched by gilded bronze profiles that originate with a rocaille decoration and end with richly chiseled foot tips. The furniture is perfectly finished even on the back, a feature that increases its value and allows it to be placed even in the center of environments and not just near the walls. The drop-front writing desks are very practical and elegant desk models, which have always been widespread and are still highly sought after today. The small size and the refinement with which this desk was made suggest an important commission for a prestigious residence. Of great elegance, this drop-leaf desk is a precious and charming piece of furniture that will show off in any environment, conferring a valuable decoration. It can be placed in a contemporary home as an alternative to the common desk. 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 entire environment its timeless beauty.