A Table Known As The “à La Tronchin,” Dating From The Directoire Period, Late 18th Century.

A table known as the “Tronchin” style, dating from the Directoire period, late 18th century. Made of solid mahogany, with original bronze legs and casters. One drawer along the base, one pull handle on each side.
Beautiful antique leather on the tabletop and pull handles.

Length 80 cm
Depth 55 cm
Height 75 cm
Handles 23 cm x 40 cm

An architect’s table The “Tronchin table ” or “Tronchin-style” desk was created during the reign of Louis XVI by the physician Théodore Tronchin (1709–1781), a native of Geneva. At the time, he was conducting research on bone diseases—a common consequence of the poor posture adopted by architects at their work tables. He therefore advocated the use of a table whose top could be tilted—depending on whether one wished to stand or sit—in order to relieve strain on the user’s back.Although attributed today to Théodore Tronchin, it is difficult to know exactly who invented this table, which was in fact already well known in his time but had previously been reserved for a privileged few. The 1401 inventory of the Château d’Angers mentions a similar table. Philip II of Spain and Mazarin also owned similar pieces of furniture. Tronchin thus contributed to the revival and refinement of a forgotten piece of furniture, elevating its status and lending it his name.