the cylinder opening to reveal a writing slide and six drawers above two frieze drawers, the sides with two pull-outs, the back with a folding shelf, raised on cabriole legs on castors; applied overall with gilt-bronze leaves

Franco di Castro Gallery, Rome

Related literature :

T. Sylven, Mästarnas Möbler, Stockohlmsarbeten 1700-1850, Stockholm, 1996, p.99
« Le Soleil et l'Etoile du Nord » in Connaissance des Arts, avril 1994, pp. 78-85.

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate but the gilt-bronze mounts are brighter and the veneer is less orange in reality. There are the inevitable minor dents, marks, cracks and surface scratches due to age and use. There are well restored minor construction cracks to the veneer lateral panels. There are some minor chips and losses to the veneer, especially to the feet. The green leather of the writing tray is rubbed with some stains and scratches. There are some ink stains and scratches to the red paper stretched into the inside drawers, but the paper still has coulourful shades. There is a secret drawer in the central part of the seatrail, but the right-hand side panel of this secret drawer is missing. The gilding of the ormolu element is in good overall condition. Beautiful and delicate ornaments, especially to all the edges. Elegant and rare cylinder desk with an astonishing back side panel forming a writing top with two lateral shelves.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a perfect example of the Swedish monarchs' inclination for the elegance and splendour of Versailles throughout the eighteenth century. This passion for the French style reached its pinnacle during the reign of Gustave III (1771–1792). Enlightened Francophile, friend of Louis XV, then of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, he commissioned Sweden's most talented artisans.

This desk is in many ways similar to the sécrétaire of 1773, signed by Niclas Eckstein (made Master Craftsmen in 1758) and illustrated in T. Sylven, Mästarnas Möbler. Stockohlmsarbeten 1700–1850, Stockholm, 1996, p. 99.). The parquetry, the small tier at the top, the virtuosity with which the drawers were cut to perfectly follow the apron, and the finesse of the gilt-bronze mounts are some of the most noticeable similar elements. In addition, the ingenuity of the mechanism and the diversity with which the bureau can pot🍰entially be used, attest to remarkable expertise, comparable wit🌳h German productions such as those by David Roentgen.