"retour D Egypt" Fall-front Desk, Dutch Directoire Period, Circa 1795–1805

A fall front desk made in The Netherlands during the late reign of Louis XVI/under the Directory, circa 1795–1805.Crafted in a style inspired by Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign (1798–1801) and popular during that period.This writing desk is made of oak and mahogany, among other materials, and is veneered in mahogany. At the top is a single drawer, adorned with an inlaid brass lock and ring-shaped hardware decorated with lion heads.Below, a drop-down panel conceals an open compartment with flat columns, and further down, six small mahogany-veneered drawers fitted with brass knobs. The writing surface is covered with high-quality dark green English canvas. The lock on the drop-down panel is adorned, among other things, with crossed quivers, a bow, a laurel wreath, and so on. On either side of the drop-down panel, tapered flat columns are decorated with caryatids. Behind the two doors is a single shelf, fitted with locks adorned with, among other things, ram’s heads, knots, garlands, twisted ribbons, and so on. Below the flat base, the secretary desk rests on square legs that taper toward the front. In addition to its finely chiseled ornamentation, it is richly decorated with brass moldings. The three locks have been replaced and function with their respective keys. Several discreet, historic restorations have been carried out on the entire secretary desk. It is topped with a Belgian blue stone slab. The piece retains its original waxed finish, which has acquired a magnificent patina over the centuries, giving it a deep, warm color and exceptional luster. A majestic and elegant piece of furniture that catches the eye and provides incomparable visual and practical pleasure.

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