Vienna 1815-20. Important desk of the early Viennese Biedermeier period, a slight variation of No. 31 attributed to Joseph Danhauser.

Important desk of the early Viennese Biedermeier period, a slight variation of No. 31 attributable to Joseph Danhauser or perhaps, but less likely, to an immediate circle of artists close to him. Vienna 1815-20. The work, of museum significance, is in a practically intact condition and in its original patina. It is finely French polished with shellac tampon, using a museum standard technique. It is veneered in incredibly high-quality cherry feather, with ebonized details. Even the internal and external hardware are original from the period. This is a variation or customization of the famous desk No. 31, an example of which is preserved at the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, at the beginning of the Empire and Biedermeier Hall (see photo below, already in the public domain - source Wikipedia). This same work in the possession of the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna is a customization - variation of the original design (see miniature below - property of the archives of the same Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna). The piece of furniture in Vienna, while presenting the two lifting sides, does not have the flutes in the style of a Greco-Roman column, which is instead present in the piece of furniture we offer. These flutes are practically a "signature" and a typical characteristic of the furniture from the Joseph Ulrich Danhauser manufactory. The line, the material quality, and the executive expertise lead us to believe that this piece of furniture is highly likely to be from the Danhauser manufactory of Vienna itself, to which it can be attributed. Literature "Biedermeier, di Erfindung der Einfacheit", Albertina exhibition in Vienna by curator Dr. Klaus Arbert Schroeder; Zeichnungen von Joseph Ulrich Danhauser - Sammlung MAK Vienna. Measurements: height 78 cm, width 132.5 cm, depth 81 cm. Joseph Ulrich Danhauser, a great Viennese cabinetmaker and designer, documented his range of products in a vast drawn catalog, parts of which (approx. 2,500) have survived the times and are now preserved in the MAK (Austrian Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna). This catalog includes, among others, 153 models of chairs, 56 sofas, 179 types of chandeliers, and 124 curtains. All these models were numbered consecutively. He boasted a clientele of rank from all over the Austrian monarchy and Germany. The company had offices and sales agencies in Graz, Prague, and Budapest. The most prestigious work entrusted to Danhauser was the renovation of the Palace of Archduke Charles (today's Albertina, home to an important Viennese museum) around 1822. The Danhauser furniture factory holds a prominent position in the history of Viennese furniture making and interior decoration. Danhauser's designs allow us to follow the development of the style of Viennese furniture, which was initially based on French models, such as those created by Percier and Fontaine, but soon gained its own precise and refined autonomy. Danhauser's exceptional quality and uniqueness as a furniture creator lies in the harmonious combination of concreteness and abstraction, functionality, and emotion. Thus, he assumed the role of mediator between individuality and anonymity and became one of the most important inspirations for the modern avant-garde movement. The Danhauser manufactory was founded in 1814 by the sculptor and cabinetmaker Joseph Ulrich Danhauser (1780-1829), the father of the painter son Joseph Danhauser. It was one of the first companies in Vienna operating in the field of interior decoration. Having been granted a special production license, it was possible for Danhauser to integrate all the trades related to interior decoration with their respective specializations and thus carry out the necessary work under one roof. These included primarily the production of furniture and upholstery, the production of lighting fixtures, metalworking, and the creation of elaborate draperies. It is a reference point in the history of design and furniture. Its very rare original creations that have survived the times are preserved in a few museums, castles, large antique dealers, or prestigious private collections, mostly from noble families. In accordance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides, simultaneously with the sale, a detailed written photographic guarantee of the originality and provenance of the sold works. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are expressed determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, including expert assessments. Recognize the true Viennese Biedermeier of the early period, distinguishing it from late or Northern European imitations! Read the history of this elegant and sober style and learn to evaluate timeless Viennese masterpieces of designers from 1815 to 1830! Click on the link at the bottom of the page to read an unprecedented synthetic practical guide unique in Italy, with links and virtual visits to museums and galleries in Vienna.