NARRATOR: This red-lacquered writing table has been called “one of the finest and most important pieces of French eighteenth-century furniture to be found in America.” Precise documentation reveals that the desk was delivered to Louis XV’s study at Versailles on December 29, 1759. The King did most of his daily work in that sumptuous private room.

DANIËLLE KISLUK-GROSHEIDE: Although the appearance is quite Asian, the decoration was actually created in Paris by Gilles Joubert, one of the outstanding cabinetmakers of the period. And he used this red-lacquered technique in an imitation of Chinese red-and-gold lacquer that came into fashion during the middle of the eighteenth century.

NARRATOR: Exquisite gilt-bronze mounts both protect and enhance the serpentine outline of the table. Notice how the red lacquer surface shines through the pierced mounts, particularly at the corners.

DANIËLLE KISLUK-GROSHEIDE: And this combination of red-and-gold make it very, very chic and quite exotic looking as well.

NARRATOR: On top of the desk is a gilt-bronze microscope that may also have been made for Louis XV. It is signed by Claude-Siméon Passemant, who made scientific instruments for the court. The elegant instrument reflects the intermingling of artistic and scientific interests that occurred during this period.