Jacob Frères, Ceremonial Secretary "at The Horns Of Plenty", Consulate-empire Period.

A luxurious mahogany and burr mahogany veneer secretary desk from the Consulate period, late 18th or very early 19th century, made by Jacob Frères.
The drop-front is richly decorated with two large cornucopias in solid mahogany, each terminating in finely chased gilt-bronze fruit. The cornucopias are also knotted at their center and encircled by wide rings with scroll and rosette motifs. The upper frieze, set above a wide drawer, consists of a blooming rosette with finely chased petals, surrounded by a fillet. On either side, acanthus scrolls and stylized plant motifs emerge, terminating in elongated palmettes.
The keyhole, located at the bottom, is particularly elaborate, concealing and enhancing the passage of the key. It consists of an openwork cartouche, crowned by a central palmette surrounded by scrolling volutes (in a "C" shape) adorned with small flowers.

Opening the drop-front reveals a beautiful "theater-style" interior, architecturally designed with columns veneered in amboyna burl and large fasces. Inside, there is a paperweight, along with seven drawers also veneered in amboyna burl, two of which are secret compartments. The back of the niche is fitted with a mirror, creating a sense of depth and reflecting the objects that could be displayed there.
The lower section comprises two double doors concealing three large "English-style" drawers. The keyhole escutcheons are surrounded by acanthus scrolls and elegant volutes, flanked by two cornucopias.

Original top in blue Turquin marble.
In very good condition.

Extremely rare on the market.

- An identical piece sold at Christie's London on December 12, 2002, lot 88.
- Another identical secretary (without marble top) sold at Hampel on September 22, 2022, lot 263.
- A secretary, identical in every respect, is illustrated in the book: - Le Mobilier Français du XIXème Siècle, Giacomo Wannenes, page 85 (see photo).

As only a portion of our Furniture and Works of Art are visible on Proantic, we invite you to follow our Instagram account where you can see all our new items in context: @monantiquaire.

We handle delivery for you in France and internationally. Shipping arrangements depend on your location. Contact us to find out the cost and arrange your delivery. We ensure that particular care is taken to package and protect your purchases.

All our Furniture and Works of Art
On our Website
including a video:
MON ANTIQUAIRE
We look forward to your visit,

Géraldine Buisson & Manuel Keepfer.