Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)

1786–87
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 527
This secretary was made for the Cabinet Intérieur of Louis XVI at the Palais de Compiègne. The cabinetwork was executed under the supervision of Guillaume Beneman (master 1785). The gilt-bronze mounts were modeled by Louis-Simon Boizot (1743-1809), Martin, and Michaud; cast by Forestier; chased by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), Bardier, and Tournay, among others; and gilded by Galle. Work on the secretary was coordinated by Jean Hauré, entrepreneur des Meubles de la Couronne (active 1774-96). The "eyes" of the marquetry were originally set with gilt-bronze rosettes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)
  • Maker: Guillaume Benneman (active 1785, died 1811)
  • Modeler: Mounts modeled by Louis Simon Boizot (French, Paris 1743–1809 Paris)
  • Modeler: and Martin, possibly Gilles-François Martin (ca. 1713–1795)
  • Maker: and Michaud
  • Maker: Probably cast by Etienne-Jean Forestier (died 1768, master 1764)
  • Maker: Pierre-Auguste Forestier
  • Maker: Chased by Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, Paris 1751–1843 Paris)
  • Maker: and Bardin
  • Maker: and Tournay and others
  • Maker: Gilded by Galle
  • Factory director: Under the direction of Jean Hauré (born 1739, active 1774–after 1796)
  • Date: 1786–87
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, holly partly stained green, ebony, and mahogany; brèche d'Alep marble (not original); modern leather; gilt-bronze mounts
  • Dimensions: H. 63-1/2 x W. 32 x D. 15 in. (161.3 x 81.3 x 38.1 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1971
  • Object Number: 1971.206.17
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Audio

Cover Image for 2268. Drop-front Secretary (Secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)

2268. Drop-front Secretary (Secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)

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