Monday, November 18, 2013

Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire) by Guillaume Beneman, circa 1786 - 87




Tulipwood, kingwood, holly, mahogany veneered on oak, gilt-bronze, brèche d'Alep marble, leather.  Made for Louis XVI's study in his private apartments at the Château de Compiègne.  Guillaume Beneman (1750 - after 1811) was a prominent Parisian ébéniste of German extraction. 

Decoration possibly by Gilles-François Martin, Étienne-Jean Forestier, or Pierre-Phillipe Thomire Forestier (1751–1843); Modelers of gilt-bronze mounts: Louis-Simon Boizot (1743–1809) and Pierre Michaud; Decorators: Tournay and Bardin; Gilder: Galle (ca. 1786–87); Factory director: Jean Hauré (active 1774–after 1796).




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