Antique walnut and marquetry writing desk

Antique walnut and marquetry writing desk
French, late 18th Century
Height 69cm, width 95cm, depth 67cm
 
This elegant writing desk was created in France in the late 18th Century, during the reign of King Louis XVI (1774-1792). The desk is designed in a refined Neoclassical style which was fashionable in this period. 
 
The walnut writing desk is composed of an oval body which is covered with tooled leather and is encircled by a brass gallery, featuring pierced geometric patterns. The desk’s body is decorated with marquetry designs, composed of flower heads and guilloche motifs. Two leather-topped writing slides can be pulled out from the sides of the desk by way of brass knobs. The front panel also pulls out to reveal a drawer with a main section and two smaller side compartments. This drawer features a brass keyhole and escutcheon which is decorated with a ribbon bow and foliage swags. The writing desk stands on four turned and tapered legs, which feature marquetry fluting. These are set on brass feet.