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Writing table (bureau plat)

ca. 1750
Not on view
Signed by Bernard van Risenburgh, who supplied a larger and more ornate bureau plat for the study of the dauphin at Versailles in 1745. A wood called satiné, producing an effect of watered silk, was used as a ground for the floral marquetry on both tables.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Writing table (bureau plat)
  • Maker: Bernard II van Risenburgh (ca. 1696–ca. 1767)
  • Date: ca. 1750
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Satiné wood, purplewood and kingwood, gilt bronze, leather
  • Dimensions: Overall: 29 3/4 × 54 1/2 × 28 1/2 in. (75.6 × 138.4 × 72.4 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
  • Credit Line: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
  • Object Number: 1974.356.186
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
Folding card table (table de jeu brisée en angle), Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak veneered with tulipwood, purplewood, kingwood, satiné wood, walnut; gilt bronze; modern silk velvet, French, Paris
Attributed to Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1755–65
Costume Armor in the Classical Style, Hallé  French, Helmet: linen, papier-mâché, bole, gold leaf, graphite; tunic: silk, cotton, metal coils and spangles, metallic yarn, French, Paris
Helmet includes original paper label of Hallé
ca. 1788–90
Writing table (table à écrire), Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, amaranth, mahogany, ebony, mother-of-pearl, stained horn; gilt-bronze mounts; modern velvet, French, Paris
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1755
Corner cabinet (encoignure) (one of a pair), Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak veneered with ebony and Coromandel lacquer, cherry wood, and purplewood; gilt-bronze mounts; brocatelle marble top, French, Paris
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1745–49
Armor of Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias (1707–1724), Jean Drouart  French, Steel, gold, brass, silk, cotton, metallic yarn, paper, French, Paris
Armorer Signature probably refers to Jean Drouart
dated 1712

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