Desks
€3,000.00in Louis XV style, France, late 19th century, various hardwoods and softwoods, rosewood veneer, polished using traditional craftsmanship, one drawer, rich, chased and gilded bronze decorative fittings and panel edging, renewed gold-trimmed leather covering, 76 x 99 x 59 cm, beautiful professionally restored condition.
€9,000.00Paris, late 19th century, elegantly curved hardwood frame, rosewood veneered, inlaid with various precious woods in the form of cubes and leaves, polished in traditional craftsmanship, one drawer, finely chiselled gilt bronze mounts, marked FL on the back and signed F. Linke on a corner bronze, panelled surround, 75.5 x 110 x 66 cm, beautifully restored condition.
SoldMaison Millet, Paris, late 19th century, in the Louis XVI style, worked after an 18th century model by Jean Henri Riesener, oak frame veneered with rosewood and mahogany, as well as latticed, marquetry, polished in traditional craftsmanship, conical fluted feet, one drawer, finely chased gilt bronze fittings and plate surround, embossed lock, Millet a Paris, approx. 75 x 100 x 60 cm, beautiful professionally restored condition.
Subject to species protection (ASB)
MAISON MILLET (1853-1918) was founded in 1853 by Theodore Millet. The company exclusively produced luxury furniture and gilded bronze objects of the highest quality. It was mainly furniture in the style of the 18th century. Due to the high demand, Millet had some of his orders made by other renowned ebenists. These included François Linke. Millet won the gold medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889. Maison Millet was open as a producer until 1902 and, after the death of the company founder in 1906, as a store until 1918.
€14,000.00France, Louis XVI period, ca. 1780, by the ebenist Pierre Garnier (master from 1742), predominantly oak, mahogany veneered and with ebony marquetry, matted, double-sided drawer design with a total of 10 drawers. 10 drawers, conical feet, gilt bronze ornamental fittings and panel edging, extendable extension panels on 3 sides with gold-decorated leather covering, stamped P. Garnier on the underside, approx. 79 x 171 x 94 cm, can be enlarged to approx. 275 x 148 cm, minor signs of age and wear.
Pierre Garnier, (1720-1800), became a master in 1742 at the age of 22 and a member of the Parisian “Jurande des Ebenistes”. His work illustrates the evolution of all styles in France in the XVIII century, beginning with the early Louis XV period, through the Transition and Louis XVI, to the Directoire, the period of the Great French Revolution. In the “L’ Almanach général des Marchands du Royaume”, Garnier is cited as one of the most important ebenists of the XVIII century, alongside Oeben, Riesener, Weisweiler and Leleu. He is regarded as one of the inventors of the “style à la grecque”, which heralded the beginning of classicism. In the “Petites Affiches” of 1800 – in his obituary – he is described as someone who for 50 years produced a quality that makes any praise superfluous. In addition to the royal family, he supplied the entire aristocracy. His works can be admired in the Louvre, Musée Jacquemart-André, South Kensington Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Arts, among others.
Sold€6,000.00In the Louis XVI style, by the ebenist Paul Sormani, (1817-1877), last third of the 19th cent.
mahogany wood frame with fluted feet and finely chiselled gilt bronze fittings, gold-trimmed leather upholstery,
folding top, with internal felt covering, signed Sormani Paris on one bronze, 77 x 84 x 42/84 cm, beautiful professionally restored condition.
€9,000.00Paris, late 19th century, elegant curved, freestanding oak frame, rosewood veneer, polished, in form and finish exceptional, finely chiselled and gilded bronze fittings, three drawers, top with edging and gold-embossed leather covering, embossed lock, SORMANI PARIS rue Charlot, 72 x 88 x 44 cm, beautiful, well-kept general condition.
- €2,800.00
Curved oak frame with contrasting rosewood veneer and field markings on the sides. 2 side drawers Erectable reading desk lined with green embossed leather. Gilt fittings, raised panel edge. Restored condition. Hand polished with natural shellac.
- €6,800.00
Philippe Claude MONTIGNY (after a model by) – Superb small desk in Louis XVI style, 2 h. of the XIX century. Oak frame with conical feet, freestanding version. 2 front drawers with central lock. Veneered with satinwood and ornamentally and field-marked with amaranth and various precious woods. Masterfully executed edging flush with the surface of the panel. Quality chiselled, gilded bronze fittings. Dimensions: 75,5 x 105 x 65 cm. Condition: Beautiful, well-maintained, polished original condition with very slight signs of use.
- €3,000.00
So-called “Liseuse”, Louis XV style, second half of the 19th century, elegantly curved oak frame, rosewood veneered, field-marked, polished.
Three drawers, pull-out shelf with leather cover leather covering, three-part hinged top with border, gilt bronze fittings, 74 x 80 x 44 cm, beautiful restored condition.
Antique Desks: Timeless Elegance and Functionality
Desks have evolved significantly over the centuries, from simple tables with drawers to exquisite statement pieces that reflect the grandeur of their respective eras. Until the 17th century, writing surfaces consisted of basic tables with storage compartments or standing desks featuring bevelled tops and dedicated spaces for writing utensils.
The Evolution of Antique Desks
The first dedicated desks emerged in Italy, France, and the Netherlands. These early pieces were modest in size compared to dining tables, typically featuring one or two drawers for practical storage. Initially, they served functional purposes without much artistic embellishment. However, as craftsmanship evolved, desks became more than just workstations—they transformed into symbols of prestige and sophistication.
The Golden Age of Desks: Louis XIV to Louis XVI
During the reign of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, the desk became an essential part of the aristocratic interior. The iconic Bureau Mazarin, named after the powerful Cardinal Mazarin, featured eight intricately designed legs connected by crossbars, adorned with elaborate inlays and exquisite bronze fittings. These desks were grand statement pieces, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners.
In the Regence era, desks took on a more delicate appearance, with four curved legs and ornate bronze Doré fittings. Under Louis XV, the writing surface saw the introduction of luxurious leather bases decorated with gold embossing, making them both functional and opulent. Additionally, smaller desks designed specifically for women gained popularity, offering a stylish way to manage personal correspondence.
With the rise of early classicism during the Louis XVI period, the design of desks (bureau plat) became more rectilinear, emphasizing symmetry and elegance while retaining luxurious detailing. These desks showcased refined craftsmanship and timeless appeal.
19th-Century Desks: Status Symbols and Practicality
Throughout the 19th century, desks maintained their prestigious status and were often seen as symbols of power and influence. Rich woods, intricate marquetry, and sophisticated detailing continued to define these pieces, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Invest in Timeless Craftsmanship
Antique desks are more than just functional furniture—they are historical masterpieces that bring character and elegance to any space. Crafted from premium materials such as mahogany, rosewood, and walnut, these desks offer durability, beauty, and a connection to the past. Whether used in a home office or as a decorative centerpiece, an antique desk is a valuable investment that blends history with timeless style.
Explore Our Collection of Antique Desks
Discover our curated selection of antique desks, ranging from ornate Louis XIV pieces to elegant Louis XVI designs. Browse our online store or visit our Vienna showroom to find the perfect desk that complements your style and enhances your workspace with authentic antique charm.