Lady's writing desk, bonheur-du-jour, late 18th century.

Lady's desk, known as bonheur-du-jour. France, circa late 18th – early 19th century. Writing table with two belt drawers (lockable, keys included) and an upper tier featuring four drawers (two of which are lockable, keys included). Sliding top with original leather writing surface. The style and proportions link this piece to the late Louis XVI / provincial Directoire period. Structure in solid wood and walnut veneer, turned wooden legs. Drawer knobs in turned wood. Traditional joinery with mortise and tenon. Total height: 90 cm. Height of the top: 71 cm. Width: 81 cm. Depth with top closed: 49 cm / with top open: 61 cm. Varnish losses, veneer losses, leather of the writing surface heavily cracked.