French Provincial Desk in Ebonized Polychrome, late 18th century

PROVINCIAL EIGHT-LEGGED "MAZARIN" PEDESTAL DESK IN BLACK PAINT
France, circa last quarter of the 18th century

32 1/8" H x 26" D x 61 5/8" W, 22" H from the ground to the underside of the drawer

A striking eight-legged "Mazarin" pedestal desk in an early ebonized polychrome surface, the desk features a pair of drawers in either pedestal flanking a single broader central drawer. It is a picture of austerity, completely devoid of any carving or surface embellishment - it was designed with only keyhole escutcheons for the drawers so that the form would not be distracted by pulls. The black painted surface would allow the desk to entirely disappear except that the ravages of time have decorated the desk with a wonderful patina - the black ranges from a silky and waxy translucent surface to utter pitch in matte texture as oxidization of the paints are opposed by two hundred and fifty years of rubbing and handling.

The drawers are hand dovetailed in the typical rustic manner of the Provincial carpenters. The total form is raised on eight of the most unusual legs that almost depict the calf of a leg as opposed to the knee of a leg found in most forms, the cupid's bow of the apron first contracting in at the top of the leg, swelling to create a "calf" and then pulling in a sharp taper to the toes.

An absolute strikepoint piece.

Condition Report:
Early black paint with some later touch ups. Heavy surface wear and some flaking - and further flaking may occur during shipping prior to being placed in your residence. Where the drawer connects to the pedestals on either side has a bit of looseness and evidence of new pegs and restoration over the years; there is some wiggle when lifting the desk, but sturdy when it is placed. Loss to the "cupid's bow" in the apron on one side of the desk. Joint separations throughout. No keys, locks untested. Legs have shrunk out of being straight, some competent repairs to the legs.

ref. 403ZLJ18Q