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Antique French Directoire Ebonized Bureau Plat w/3 Drawers
$18,800List Price
About the Item
A writing table or French bureau plat has a series of drawers directly under the surface of the table, to contain writing implements, so that it may serve as a desk. Antique versions have the usual divisions for the inkwell, the blotter and the sand or powder tray in one of the drawers, and a surface covered with leather or some other material less hostile to the quill or the fountain pen than simple hard wood.
1793 - 1804
The Directoire period, or French Directory, extends from between 1793 and 1804 although some dispute the end date.
Directoire furniture reflected the effect of the French Revolution on French furniture design, being a more restrained and simplified version of the earlier Louis XVI style using limited decoration and cheaper materials. Decoration used on Directoire furniture was normally a variation on the classically inspired ornamentation of the late 18th century, notably stylised foliage such as the anthemion motif. Marquetry was abandoned in favor of more austere forms of decorative work.
In Directoire furnishings, geometric patterns remained in use but, were less extravagant than before, often integrating a Grecian urn into the designs. The caryatid form was also used. And we note the entrance of Egyptian motifs into furniture design. Furniture of the Directoire time sometimes included carvings of sphinxes in the bronze hardware detailing.
The Directoire period is often considered to be a transition between Louis XVI and French Empire furniture, and therefore has characteristics of both, with a psychology all its own, and is sometimes called Transitional furniture. The Directoire marks the early beginnings of the Empire style and came about due to various historical circumstances: the luxury of the ruling classes under the Louis; the rebellion of an oppressed people and the Revolution; condemnation and destruction of luxuries and consequent reaction to simple living.
Perier and Fontaine, architects and interior decorators, steeped in the art of early Rome, as unearthed at Pompeii, returned to Paris and were instrumental in directing and satisfying the craving for order, restraint and simple strength. These two artists are responsible for the very beautiful decorative designs known as Directoire, original creations inspired by the classic models.
Architecture and interior decoration were in especially good accord during the Directorate and later First Empire. Directoire rooms and interiors are often what people unconsciously think of when something is called French.
- Dimensions:Height: 30.75 in (78.11 cm)Width: 70 in (177.8 cm)Depth: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:Giltwood,Ebonized
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1830 s
- Condition:In very nice, fully restored condition. The old appearing leather top is new and some of the gilding has been brightened.
- Seller Location:BENSENVILLE, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: j11341stDibs: U10120982433012
About the Seller
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