193 - Empire-period cylinder bureau. France, ca. 1820.

Empire-period cylinder bureau. France, ca. 1820. Oak frame veneered in mahogany, with bronze fittings, brass trim, embossed leather, and a marble top. Comes with keys. In good overall condition. Shows slight signs of wear consistent with its age. Measurements: 120 × 111 × 93 cm. Provenance: Estate of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Artistic and heritage collection originating in the legacy of Catalan painters Ramon Martí Alsina (1826–1894), a seminal figure of 19th-century Catalan Realism, and his son Ricard Martí Aguiló (1857–1935). Passed down and enriched across successive generations, the collection brings together works from the original holdings of both artists alongside acquisitions made by their descendants. Dedicated to preserving and recovering the family legacy, the descendants actively reacquired works by the painters as they entered the market, progressively expanding the collection to encompass paintings, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, and other items of artistic and historical significance. Elegant French cylinder bureau made around 1820, representative of the refined French cabinetmaking tradition of the early 19th century. The piece combines the simplicity of neoclassical forms with the richness of its materials, particularly highlighting the use of mahogany, a fine wood highly prized in the cabinetmaking of the period for its beauty, depth of color, and expressive grain. Its design retains the influence of the Louis XVI and Directory styles, evident in the lightness of its proportions, the tapered legs, and the restrained ornamentation. The delicate brass moldings, bronze accents, and the metal railing framing the upper marble top lend elegance to the piece without disrupting its formal balance. The cylinder conceals a leather-covered writing surface and an interior divided into small drawers and compartments designed for organizing documents and desk accessories.