Louis XV Period Marquetry Secretary From The Mid-18th Century

A very elegant and rare Louis XV period drop-leaf secretary, characteristic of Rococo furniture by its sinuous silhouette and refined proportions. The curved front rests on arched, cambered legs, finished with bronze sabots. The body is veneered with native wood and adorned with decorative marquetry with geometric motifs on the flap and doors; an inlaid border highlights the contours of the piece. The flap forms a comfortable desk, covered in gilded leather, and reveals a finely appointed interior: compartments and small drawers. Gilded and chiseled bronzes adorn the corners, the keyhole and the sabots, with Rococo motifs – shells, foliage and acanthus leaves – typical of the period. The piece of furniture has its original locks, one key in gilded bronze and the other in chiseled steel. The cabinet is topped with its magnificent original "bec de corbin" marble finish. This cabinet, from a private French collection, is in excellent condition.