Writing Desk, ca. 1780
Cedar wood, painted in oil with purpurin gilding. Iron hinges, lock and key.
Further images
Provenance
Private Collection, Argentina.
This writing desk is composed of a rectangular box standing on four feet. The drop-down front panel reveals a front that combines nine drawers and a little door, distributed over four horizontal levels. The drawers are decorated with palmette and fluted molding enclosing “c” and “s”-shaped plant motif struts, their gilding standing out against a red background. The knob on six of the drawers simulates a flower bud. The central door includes two pillars with shafts wreathed in gilt vegetation, supporting a trilobate arch festooned on the intrados and with spiral and radial ornamentation on the spandrels. The front panel boasts a knob among colorful painted bouquets, motifs that also adorn the inside of the drop-down front and external side panels.
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