Louis XIV-Bureau plat Lot n° 40

85 x 163 x 78 cm. Paris, c. 1720. Adopted from the "Bureaux Mazarins", this bureau plat has two lateral pedestals, each with two drawers, and a central recessed drawer, while the legs are in gilt bronze sabots in the shape of hooves. Veneered in ebony and decorated with inlaid work of scrolls, lambrequins, acanthus and brass volutes, the ornamentation probably dating back to Jean Bérain. The ormolu elements are limited to the keyholes, the legs, and the top surrounded by a profile. This table model made its way into Parisian cabinetmaking, following the example of the "Mazarin" type. The two drawer bodies have been raised, the front panel has disappeared, as have the central struts. The very wide spacing of the curved legs ensures the stability of the desk. This rare desk is a fine example of the marquetry developed by André-Charles Boulle in the early 18th century. It also shows the evolution of the aesthetic forms established for this type of furniture in the second half of the 17th century, particularly with regard to the angular shapes. The four legs are also an innovation and refer to the commode developed at the end of Louis XIV's reign. Note: In terms of decoration, a good comparison can be made with a desk held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, also dated c. 1715-25 (inv. no. 1014:1, 2-1882), still easily seen here as transitional furniture from the Bureau Mazarin. Another very similar Bureau plat of c. 1724 is in the Château de La Roche-Guyon. (12818139) (13) Louis XIV bureau plat 85 x 163 x 78 cm. Paris, ca. 1720. This rare desk is a fine example of the marquetry developed by André-Charles Boulle at the beginning of the 18th century. It also shows the evolution of the aesthetic shapes established for this type of furniture in the second half of the 17th century, particularly with regards to the angular shapes. The four legs are also a novelty and refer to the chest of drawers, which was developed at the end of the reign of Louis XIV. Notes: In terms of décor, a comparable desk that is kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum and is also dated around 1715-1725 (Inv. no. 1014: 1, 2-1882) can be easily recognized here as a transitional piece of furniture from the Bureau Mazarin. Another very similar bureau plat dating ca. 1724 is in the Château de La Roche-Guyon.