Louis XV style, Italy, early 19th century.
Bois de violette and lemongrass.
It shows signs of chipping and flaws in the wood and upholstery.
Measurements: 225 x 94 x 50 cm (with closed lid); 225 x 94 x 86 cm (with open lid).
Louis XV style bureau with display cabinet, inspired by French furniture pieces of the rococo period. It has four cabriole legs, typical of the period, with a very stylised outline, decorated (the front ones) with applied metal pieces. This characteristic reveals the taste for mixture and fantasy typical of 19th-century historicism. The front flap has a cut-out with simple mitred curves, following a symmetrical pattern, on which is placed the central body made up of two drawers and the lid. This is decorated with geometric marquetry, classical elements that are closer to Baroque rather than Rococo furniture. The piece has a small sloping body with curved sides. Once the lid is opened, a simple desk is displayed, with two drawers with a recessed front and a tabletop that serves as a writing surface. In the upper part of the central body, there is a display case consisting of a two-leaf door with doors made up of a wooden and glass perimeter, allowing the interior to be seen, which consists of two shelves plus the base. The rectangular structure of the display cabinet is finished off at the top with a warped design typical of the Louis XVI style.
The piece is made of bois de violette, an exotic wood used for veneering and marquetry, which was very popular during the 18th century. This wood, which belongs to the rosewood family, is mottled with purple and white highlights.