Louis XV Marquetry Secretary, Stamped P. Roussel

A very fine Louis XV period secretarydesk, double-bent on the front and also curved on the sides, stampedP. Roussel for Pierre Roussel (1723-1782), the renowned Parisiancabinetmaker who became a Master on August 21, 1745.

It is entirely veneered on three sideswith violet wood, rosewood, and amaranth.

The front features a delightfulmarquetry decoration of flowers and foliage within shaped reserves ona frieze border.

The sides are also adorned with anelegant and sophisticated interplay of alternating lozenge and fernfriezes within sinuous reserves.

It opens with two doors in its lowersection and a drop-front that reveals a tiered interior composed ofshelves, compartments, and six curved drawers.

The rounded front uprights are veneeredin amaranth.

Aleppo breccia marble top. Originalbronze mounts and bolts.

Dimensions

H. 140 cm x W. 102 cm x D. 42 cm

Parisian work

Stamped P. Roussel and JME hallmarkunder the marble top

Rosewood, violet wood, amaranth

18th century

Born into a family of modest carpenters, Pierre Roussel established himself on Rue de Charonne, in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, under the sign "L'Image de Saint Pierre" (The Image of Saint Peter).

He was admitted as a Master Cabinetmaker in 1745.

Thanks to his skills as a cabinetmaker and especially as an exceptional marquetry artist, he quickly gained considerable renown. In 1762, he became a sworn member of his guild.

By 1767, he was considered one of the finest cabinetmakers of his time. Highly regarded by his peers, he became a representative of the cabinetmakers' guild in 1777 and then its head two years later. His abundant and varied production is of excellent quality and has adapted to all the styles of the 18th century with elegance and refinement.

Ref: Le Mobilier Français du XVIII° Siècle - Pierre Kjellberg