An Exceptionally Rare Secrétaire à Abattant
After the designs of Jean-Henri Riesener for Marie Antoinette

By Paul Sormani of Paris

*Additional Literature Available*

Of upright rectangular form with canted corners and slight breakfront profile, veneered with panels of marquetry executed in various woods and with panels of tulip wood banding and boxwood stringing, all bordered by amaranth, exuberantly dressed with gilt bronze mounts of the highest quality, and having a fleur de pêcher marble top within a plain ormolu band surmounted by a three-quarter pierced gallery. Rising from tapering feet shod with acanthus cast sabots, the lower apron with a strong gilt bronze mount of scrolling foliates; the lower section housing a cupboard behind two panels which together present a symmetrical marquetry composition  of scrolling vines that support a draped pedestal with a tall basket overflowing with fruit and flowers at center and a garlanded stand at either side, the left with emblems of Astronomy and the right emblems of Geography; within ormolu cast borders and flanked by Riesener's famous trellis marquetry panels which also adorn the sides of the secretaire. Above, the fall-front panels defined by a trapezoidal marquetry composition of flowers, fruit, and scrolling vines centred on an oval reserve for the principal bronze mount; the marquetry design consisting of two leafy vines, ribbon-tied where they meet, and terminating above in a floral arrangement. The oval relief bronze plaque representing two billing doves against a background of swirling clouds, with Cupid's bow and quiver and a floral garland visible. The interior with a leather writing surface, compartments beautifully veneered in bois citronnier with amaranth banding; an arrangement of two shelves and six drawers. The canted front angles are pilasters, mounted with gilt bronze spandrels, cast as stiff leafed acanthus, having attached sprigs of oak leaves, berries and intertwined forget-me-nots, all within a gilt bronze stepped band. The frieze drawer mounted with a gilt bronze garland of roses, pinks, convolvulus, lilies-of-the-valley, asters and other flowers forming five complete loops, the central one enclosing the initials 'MA' for Marie Antoinette. The lockplate signed by the maker and including his Rue Charlot address, where the firm was located post-1867.
French, circa 1870