18th Century Marquetry Cylinder Secretary Desk

A secretary desk in marquetry of light walnut and fruitwood, featuring a symmetrical butterfly wing inlay, and central reserves in Alsace light walnut surrounded by plum curls. The whole is surrounded by simple maple fillets on the uprights and fillets composed of geometric motifs for the flap, sides, and drawers. The sheathed legs are inlaid with a wide simulated diamond-point fluting. The base features two flat-bottomed drawers, opening with bronze ring pull handles and locking with a key. The locks are antique, and the drawers are dovetailed.

The central section reveals, through a sliding cylinder-shaped flap, a layout with an open central volume and small drawers on either side. One of these drawers has an interior division into small compartments intended to hold inkwells, bottles, and writing quills. The worktop is covered in tan leather bordered by a walnut frame. This top is removable and slides cantilevered at the front, providing the user with great working comfort. The upper part of the writing desk offers a tier with a large central drawer and a smaller one on each side, a symmetry that gives the whole a beautiful balance. A charming piece of furniture with a soothing design, it is an Alsatian work from the late 18th century, probably from a Strasbourg workshop. Made of softwood with marquetry of walnut, plum, maple, and fruit wood.