Secretary In “boulle” Marquetry, Napoleon III Period – Mid-19th Century

Exceptional Napoleon III secretaire adorned with sumptuous Boulle marquetry, named after Charles-André Boulle, cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV. The eventful facade, in blackened pear wood, highlights rich inlays of chiseled brass on a background of tortoiseshell, offering a deep and refined contrast. The brass inlays draw intertwined volutes, foliage and arabesques that enliven the entire front and sides of the piece. The ornamentation is completed by finely crafted chiseled bronze fittings: offcuts, moldings, ingot molds and keyholes, which reinforce the decorative and precious character of the piece. The upper part opens with a flap framed by gilt bronze moldings, equipped with a functional lock and its ornate key. The interior, in bird's-eye maple, has three drawers lined with bronze rods and inlaid with brass fillets, fitted with small pull knobs. The flap is covered in red leather decorated with a gilded vignette and corner motifs, providing a beautiful writing space. The secretary has four large, richly decorated drawers, each with a chiseled bronze lock and an ornate key. It is topped with white Carrara marble with curved lines, surrounded by an ingot mold. The uprights are enhanced with bronze scraps at the top and bottom, and the base has bronze fittings at the corners and front. A piece of art with spectacular charm, this Napoleon III secretary will bring a majestic presence and historical elegance to your interior, combining functionality and exceptional craftsmanship. *********Period: Mid-19th centuryExcellent condition after restoration in our cabinetmaking workshop.Delivery possible in France and internationally on quote.Dimensions:Width: 65 cmDepth: 35 cmHeight: 123 cmReference: 359V