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566
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BETTENFELD in Paris: Jacob Desmalter & Pierre-Philippe Thomi…
See original version (French)
566
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BETTENFELD in Paris: Jacob Desmalter & Pierre-Philippe Thomi…
See original version (French)
Estimate €3,500 - €4,500
Voluntary lot
Description
BETTENFELD in Paris: Jacob Desmalter & Pierre-Philippe Thomire
LARGE DESK
Rectangular in shape, made of veneered wood, the top features a filleted border with a sliding mechanism, revealing a large writing shelf upholstered in green leather with gold-coloured small iron fittings, surmounting three drawers. Two side writing shelves are also upholstered in leather. On a cubic-section base joined by an X-shaped brace, centred with a marquetry rosette.
Ornamentation in chiselled, gilded bronze, such as pull handles featuring fleurons, palmettes and scrollwork.
In the Empire style.
Manufacturer’s mark.
Height 92; Width 159; Depth 93 cm
Note.
The model that inspired our desk, now housed at the National Museum of the Château de Malmaison, is one of the most iconic pieces of mechanical furniture from the Consulate/Empire period. Commissioned for Prince Eugène de Beauharnais (1781–1824), stepson of Napoleon I and Viceroy of Italy, to furnish the Hôtel de Beauharnais. Its distinctive feature lies in the incorporation of upright panels adorned with busts of illustrious men and Roman emperors in patinated and gilded bronze, embodying the civic virtue and military authority of the classical model. The original piece also featured a complex mechanism that unlocked secret drawers and writing desks.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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