Mahogany Drop-leaf Secretary Stamped Riesener

Mahogany flap secretary with molded mahogany veneer. The secretary opens at the top with a large drawer and a flap revealing a writing desk, four lockers and six small drawers. The lower part opens with two leaves and reveals two shelves. The secretary rests on four small feet surmounted by curved uprights adorned with grooves. The secretary is topped with a molded white Carrara marble top. It is adorned with gilded and chiseled bronzes in keyholes and pull rings. Stamped Jean-Henri Riesener Louis XVI period Usual restorations H. 141 x W. 97 x D. 40.5 cm The secretary that we present today bears the mark of the famous cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806). It is in particular his career that must be highlighted to understand what place his furniture had in the evolution of the production of French decorative art. The latter is of German origin and comes to settle in Paris in his youth. He then entered one of the most prestigious workshops in the capital: that of Jean-François Oeben. His career took off: he became one of the main collaborators of the workshop, then took over its management on the death of its founder in 1763. Subsequently, he married Oeben's widow, Françoise Marguerite, and finally obtained his own letters from mastery: his success is total. A true coronation, he even became the court's official supplier for more than ten years. Cabinetmaker to considerable success, he delivered the royal castles, princely residences, etc. Pierre Kjellberg calls him "the undisputed master of Louis XVI furniture". Its furniture all testify to an exceptional quality of manufacture. The diversity of his work is also quite remarkable. It produces lavishly decorated chests of drawers and secretaries. He develops complex marquetry and elegant bronzes. On the other hand, its production also includes lighter and surprisingly sober furniture, as our secretary proves. He then highlights, in this case, mahogany in discreet but elegant molded lines. Like paintings, the flap and the doors of the secretary make it possible to highlight the material of choice of the cabinetmaker, precious woods. This is all about the aesthetics and elegance of the Louis XVI style, in the refinement of the decor.