566 - BETTENFELD in Paris Jacob Desmalter Pierre-Philippe Thomire

BETTENFELD in Paris Jacob Desmalter Pierre-Philippe Thomire LARGE DESK Rectangular in shape, made of veneered wood, the top features a fillet decoration around the edge with a sliding mechanism, revealing a large writing shelf upholstered in green leather with gold-colored small metal studs, surmounting three drawers. Two side writing shelves are also upholstered in leather. On a cubic-section base joined by an X-shaped brace centered with a marquetry rosette. Ornamentation in chiseled, gilded bronze, such as pull handles with fleurons, palmettes, and scrollwork. In the Empire style. Manufacturer’s mark. H 92; W 159; D 93 cm Note. The model that inspired our desk, now housed at the National Museum of the Château de Malmaison, is one of the most iconic pieces of mechanical furniture from the Consulate/Empire period. Commissioned for Prince Eugène de Beauharnais (1781–1824), stepson of Napoleon I and Viceroy of Italy, as part of the furnishings for the Hôtel de Beauharnais. Its distinctive feature lies in the incorporation of posts adorned with busts of illustrious men and Roman emperors in patinated and gilded bronze, embodying the civic virtue and military authority of the classical model. The original piece also featured a complex mechanism that unlocked secret drawers and writing desks.