Writing table (bureau plat)

ca. 1745–50

Not on view

Enormously productive, Bernard II van Risenburgh, the maker of this important writing table was the leading cabinetmaker during Louis XV’s reign. He was one of the most important suppliers of furniture to the Crown. His work shows not only confidence and elegance but generally also a beautiful balance between the gilt-bronze mounts and the surface decoration. He signed his pieces with his initials: B.V.R.B.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Writing table (bureau plat)
Maker: Bernard II van Risenburgh (ca. 1696–ca. 1767)
Date: ca. 1745–50
Culture: French
Medium: Veneered on oak with ebony; mounts of chased and gilded bronze; top inlaid with later panels of black morocco and gilt-tooled leather
Dimensions: confirmed: 31 1/2 × 71 7/8 × 36 in. (80 × 182.6 × 91.4 cm)
Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
Object Number: 2019.283.5
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

By Bernard II van Risenburgh

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Rectangular table, Bernard II van Risenburgh, Tulipwood, purplewood and kingwood, gilt bronze, leather, brass, French, Paris — Rectangular table
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1765

Small rectangular table, Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak and pine substrate; tulipwood, purplewood, brass and silk (not original), French, Paris — Small rectangular table
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1765

Pair of corner shelves, Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak marquetried with tulipwood and kingwood, French, Paris — Pair of corner shelves
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1760

Side table (commode en console), Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak and pine lacquered black and veneered with Japanese black and gold lacquer; gilt-bronze mounts; Sarrancolin marble top, French, Paris — Side table (commode en console)
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1755–60

Chest (chiffonier) (one of a pair), Bernard II van Risenburgh, Oak and pine substrate; tulipwood and purplewood veneer; probably holly stringing; marble tops; gilt-bronze mounts, French, Paris — Chest (chiffonier) (one of a pair)
Bernard II van Risenburgh
ca. 1765

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.