A small Transitional tulipwood and marquetry writing table by Godefroy Dester, A small Transitional tulipwood and marquetry writing table by Godefroy Dester, c.1775, French, the white marble top with a pierced brass gallery, above three drawers and a slide, raised on tapering square supports united by an undertier, terminating in caps and castors, stamped 'G. DESTER JME' beneath, 39cm wide 30cm deep 75cm high Literature: P Kjellberg, 'Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle, Dictionnaire des Ébénistes et des Menuisiers', 2002, p.297. During the latter years of the 18th century, Godefroy Dester established himself as one of the most important cabinetmakers working in Paris. After qualifying as a ‘maître’ in July 1774, he opened his workshop in the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine and gained renown for his high-quality work in marquetry. One of his most important commissions, however, were a pair of commodes for the Comte d’Artois, brother of Louis XVI, which incorporated Paris porcelain plaques and placed in the Comte’s bedchamber at the Palais du Temple. Condition Report: Some small dents, knocks and slightly misshapen areas to ormolu gallery and other mounts. Some slight scratches, knocks and marks to marble, with a small chip to front-left edge visible. Some general wear to veneer, with one or two very fine splits and evidence of very minor cosmetic repair. Drawers run smoothly. Wells within most-likely replaced, with later blocks added beneath to accommodate shallower examples. Joints tight and solid. Castors functional. Overall appears in fairly good structural and cosmetic order, with some general knocks and wear commensurate with age and use. Perfectly usable in its current condition. What looks to be the original key is present.