Antique Desk, Directoire Period, France 1810-20

Antique Desk, Directoire Period, France 1810-20.

Elegant antique Directoire desk. This beautiful piece of furniture was made around 1810-20 in France. The cabinetmaker used mahogany veneer and embellished the outside of this desk with brass bands. The secretaire has its original grey marble top.

The inside has six small drawers and several open compartments. The original green leather covers the writing top.

Historical Background

From 1789 to 1804, French furniture took a sharp turn, condemning anything associated with the Ancien Régime.

Repressed by the revolutionaries, furniture guilds were no longer able to ensure the same degree of craftsmanship. They dissolved in 1791.

While this period was economically and socially troubled, personal wealth among private citizens grew. And as it did, so did the demand for furniture.

Directoire furniture preserves the elegant and stately characteristics of earlier periods.

But, like Gustavian design, the Directoire style is much more restrained. This moderation is evident in the elongated, uncomplicated shapes and clear lines of most pieces.

In interior design painted wallpaper replaced rich tapestries. Also, upholstery and cretonne curtains took the place of brocades and damasks.

Inexpensive materials like elm, walnut, fruitwood, beech, and other woods were the materials of choice for Directoire furniture. Mahogany was reserved almost exclusively for fine furniture.

Details of this drop front desk

The desk is in good original condition. It measures H 58.27 in. x W 38.98 in. x D 16.93 inches (H 148 cm x W 99 cm x D 43 cm). 

The secretaire ships from Germany and includes shipping costs to Boston.

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