Louis XVI Secretary Desk With Rich Painted Decoration

An extremely rare Louis XVI period drop-front secretary, circa 1760-1770, painted on all its visible surfaces. The decoration, in shades of beige and bluish-green in the antique style, depicts Vestal Virgins at sacred fires and other offerings to Love. It features a drawer in the upper section, the drop-front revealing compartments and four small drawers. The lower section opens with two doors to reveal a shelf. The top is painted with flowers. Original bronze mounts. This secretary is a true rarity, as furniture so richly decorated with 18th-century paintings is virtually unheard of. Indeed, even though Arte Povera in Italy popularized the art of furniture painting, this is a French piece, entirely hand-painted, and not pyrographically decorated or flocked as in the Italian movement. H 139 cm W 91 cm D 39 cm A very rare and timeless piece of furniture, with incredible charm, which will find its place in an 18th-century interior as well as in a more modern style!