Louis XVI Secretary Chest, Late 18th Century

Louis XVI-era secretary chest.

France, Louis XVI period, circa 1780–1790.
Made of mahogany and mahogany veneer, of very fine craftsmanship, with beautiful gilded bronze hardware, and a Saint Anne marble top, gray veined with a fluted edge all around.

The front features three wide drawers, adorned with panels accented by fillets and circular gilded bronze handles.
The lower rail is embellished with a remarkable gilded bronze decoration featuring foliage motifs and a vase of flowers.

The top drawer conceals a drop-down panel that serves as a writing desk, covered in new green leather with a gilded frame. The interior features a particularly comprehensive layout with several small drawers and compartments, arranged symmetrically.

The rounded side panels are adorned with gilded bronze moldings, while the slightly arched legs are finished with beautiful gilded bronze feet featuring foliage motifs.

The sides are veneered in mahogany and framed with fillets, and the piece is topped with a thick, veined gray marble top, molded along the front.

A particularly refined piece of furniture, combining neoclassical elegance, rich veneer, and abundant gilded bronze trim—characteristic of Parisian furniture from the late reign of Louis XVI.

In very good overall condition with a beautiful patina.

Period: Louis XVI, last quarter of the 18th century, circa 1780–1790.