Lot 1151: * Directoire Style Cherrywood Corner Secrétaire Dite 'Elliot'

Directoire Style Cherrywood Corner Secrétaire Dite ‘Elliot’ This sophisticated corner desk, or meuble d’angle secrétaire, is executed in the reserved and geometric Directoire style, representing the transition from the late eighteenth-century Neoclassical period to the early nineteenth-century Empire style. The Dite ‘Elliot’ designation identifies this piece as a model inspired by the designs of the grand master François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter, who was instrumental in establishing the era’s severe, rectilinear aesthetic for the post-Revolutionary elite. Meticulously constructed from solid cherrywood, the piece adheres to the period’s preference for clean, architectural lines. The silhouette is emphasised by vertical fluting on the side pilasters, which terminate in simple, tapered feet. The central section features a fall-front (abattant) desk that drops down to reveal a high-quality leather-topped writing surface and a fully fitted interior comprising multiple small drawers and open compartments for organisation. The lower cabinet section provides generous enclosed storage behind a pair of panelled doors. The entire piece relies on the natural beauty of its hand-polished wood grain and its balanced architectural form for its decorative effect, with ornamentation limited to restrained gilt-bronze mounts on the apron and pilaster capitals. Based on its monumental corner-fitting design, the estimated dimensions are as follows: Height: 145 cm (57 inches) Width: 95 cm (37 inches) Depth: 65 cm (26 inches)

. [Loc FR692]