Bureau-secretaire. Russian Empire, late 18th-early 19th century.

Bureau-secretaire. Russian Empire (1721-1917), late 18th-early 19th century.
In mahogany and mahogany palm. Mounts and ornaments in gilt bronze.
Handles and locks in gilded bronze.
Measurements: 117 x 71 x 174 cm.
Important bureau-secretaire from the Russian Empire period. It follows neoclassical models of the contemporary Petersburg cabinetmaker Christian Meyer, which became popular at the end of the 18th century in the royal palaces and aristocratic houses of Russia. In proportions (architectural form) and materials (mahogany palm, mahogany veneers, bronze applications) we can appreciate the fidelity to the models established by Meyer, models that cabinetmakers in the service of Catherine the Great, such as David Roentgen, introduced in the imperial apartments. This piece of furniture has a classic structure, with its parts defined and highlighted by the recesses: the seven drawers, filleted in gilded bronze, are housed between "spade" type legs, decorated in the manner of fluted pilasters. Handles, keyholes and circular section bosses, all in gilded bronze, combine simple and elegant geometries. The cylindrical lid or drum, in mahogany palm, also features linear decorations in highlighted bronze, and its interior reveals a variety of drawers and compartments for documents and office supplies. The writing tablet slides outward and is covered in maroon leather. The most brilliant period of Russian cabinetmaking was between the end of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. This period produced the finest examples of Russian Empire furniture. Most of the furniture was made of mahogany, poplar or birch and is characterized by simple, clean lines. The high-gloss surfaces were adorned with gilt bronzes. This bureau-secreter is a clear testimony to that elegance.