Bureau-secretaire. Russian Empire (1721-1917),... Lot 36

Bureau-secretaire. Russian Empire (1721-1917), late 18th - early 19th century. In mahogany and mahogany palm. Mounts and ornaments in gilt bronze. Gilt bronze handles and locks. Measurements: 117 x 71 x 174 cm. Important bureau-secretaire from the Russian Empire period. It follows neoclassical models by the contemporary Petersburg cabinetmaker Christian Meyer, which became popular at the end of the 18th century in the royal palaces and aristocratic houses of Russia. In proportions (architectural form) and materials (mahogany palm, mahogany veneers, bronze appliqués) we can appreciate the fidelity to the models established by Meyer, models that cabinetmakers in the service of Catherine the Great, such as David Roentgen, introduced into the imperial apartments. This piece of furniture has a classical structure, with its parts defined and emphasised by the recesses: the seven drawers, filleted in gilt bronze, are housed between 'spade' legs, decorated in the form of fluted pilasters. The gilt-bronze handles, keyholes and rounded bosses combine simple and elegant geometries. The cylindrical lid or drum, in mahogany palm-leaf, also has linear decorations in gilded bronze, and its interior reveals a variety of drawers and compartments for documents and office supplies. The writing tablet slides outwards and is covered in maroon leather. The most brilliant period of Russian cabinetmaking was between the end of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. This period produced the finest examples of Russian Empire furniture. Most of the furniture was made of mahogany, poplar or birch and is characterised by its simple, clean lines. The high-gloss surfaces were adorned with gilt bronzes. This bureau-secreter is a clear testimony to that elegance.