Handbook language :
This remarkable secretaire by master ébéniste André Gilbert features colorful marquetry in rosewood, amaranth, stained holly, and mother of pearl. It is further embellished by a white marble top and doré bronze mounts of rosettes, guilloches, foliage and urns. The secretaire's upper and lower panels, along with both side panels, are decorated with exterior scenes of perfectly symmetrical neoclassical architectural structures in notably sophisticated perspective. These amazing scenes are rendered in finely detailed marquetry that includes inlays of rare green wood and mother of pearl. The scenes are framed by borders of flowers and doré bronze mounts. The top casement folds open to reveal a green leather writing top and storage units, while a safe is hidden behind the bottom two doors.

Stamped "A. Gilbert JME" on upper right backside

Circa 1780

38 ½" wide x 16" deep x 57" high

At the advent of the 18th century in France, secretaires, writing bureaus, and bookcases became increasingly popular as an imperative piece of furniture in the homes of the wealthy and well educated. Secretaires like this became the focal point of estates, serving as statements of wealth, culture, and education. Today ,the most splendid and sumptuous specimens of marquetry are diminishing in number due to the ravages of time, light exposure, and variations in the atmosphere. With its vivid colors of orange, reds, yellows, and green, this impeccably cared for secretaire is truly a rare find.

An identical secretaire to this one is pictured in the book by Pierre Kjellberg Le mobilier francais du XVIIIeme siecle , page 358, plate A
Another, once belonging to the collection of Mrs. C. Gueniaux, is pictured in the works of Count Francois de Salverte Les ebenistes du XVIIIeme siecle, plate 27