Secretary with a sloped top in solid walnut, Louis XV / Provençal style – 18th / XI

Magnificent slant-top desk (or secretary chest) from the 18th/19th century, made of solid walnut, opening with a drop-down front and several drawers at the front. This masterful piece is appealing with its curved lines typical of the Louis XV/Provençal style, enhanced by superb sculptural work: Sculpted decoration: An elegant central rocaille shell and finely crafted floral motifs on the shaped lower rail. Curved front: Arched front with moulded details on the drawers and the slanted top. Workspace & storage: Once opened, the drop-down front reveals an interior theatre composed of small curved drawers and niches, creating a charming and functional office space for remote work or correspondence. At the bottom, it features spacious drawers with their original bronze handles. Feet: Elegant cabriole legs inspired by Louis XV. Condition of the piece & Patina. Authentic and in its original state. This piece has withstood the test of time and bears the poetic marks of the years: The wood displays a superb warm patina developed over the decades. There are slight signs of wear, small traces of use or previous infestations by wood-boring insects (treated), as well as minor variations in colour or slight movement in the wood, all entirely natural for a piece of this age. These marks of time do not affect its structural solidity or stability; rather, they give it a strong identity and a unique character.