Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)
Guillaume Benneman|Gilles-François Martin|Etienne-Jean Forestier|Bardin|Tournay|Pierre-Auguste Forestier|Michaud|Louis Simon Boizot|Pierre Philippe Thomire|Galle|Jean Hauré
1786–87 · Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, holly partly stained green, ebony, and mahogany; brèche d'Alep marble (not original); modern leather; gilt-bronze mounts · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
This secretary was made for the Cabinet Intérieur of Louis XVI at the Palais de Compiègne. The cabinetwork was executed under the supervision of Guillaume Beneman (master 1785). The gilt-bronze mounts were modeled by Louis-Simon Boizot (1743-1809), Martin, and Michaud; cast by Forestier; chased by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), Bardier, and Tournay, among others; and gilded by Galle. Work on the secretary was coordinated by Jean Hauré, entrepreneur des Meubles de la Couronne (active 1774-96). The "eyes" of the marquetry were originally set with gilt-bronze rosettes.
- Artist
- Guillaume Benneman|Gilles-François Martin|Etienne-Jean Forestier|Bardin|Tournay|Pierre-Auguste Forestier|Michaud|Louis Simon Boizot|Pierre Philippe Thomire|Galle|Jean Hauré
- Date
- 1786–87
- Medium
- Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, holly partly stained green, ebony, and mahogany; brèche d'Alep marble (not original); modern leather; gilt-bronze mounts
- Culture
- French, Paris
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1971
