Very handsome cabinet in wood and veneer of burled mahogany and blackened wood. It opens on the front with a door simulating a secretary with flap, and is flanked by sheathed caryatids. A recessed lock on the right-hand side releases the door, revealing an "English-style" interior with six pigeon-holed drawers with oak inlays. The unit rests on a plinth base. It is adorned with a fine neoclassical chased, gilded and patinated bronze trim, featuring Egyptian heads, palmettes, rosettes and a lion's head medallion. Belgium black marble top molded with a doucine. Attributed to Pierre-Benoît Marcion (1769-1840) Paris. Empire period, circa 1805-1810. H_146 cm W_98 cm D_44.5 cm. Although our armoire is not stamped, it is typical of the work of Pierre-Benoît Marcion, who, after Jacob-Desmalter, was one of Napoleon 1er's main suppliers. A commode, known as "en secrétaire", bearing his stamp and decorated with the same lion's head medallions sold at Koller, Zurich, on September 18, 2014 (lot no. 1183), for CHF 67,200 (including fees). Expert: Stéphane Pépe