Secretary desk in the Directoire style from France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily walnut. It has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The drop top locks with a working key. It opens to a brown leather writing surface adorned with gold leaf and interior wood shelving and drawers. There are two dovetailed drawers below the drop top, each with working locks and original brass pulls. The desk is adorned with ebonized inlay throughout. This piece is in very nice antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.

During a time of great change in post-revolution France (1790-1805), the Directoire style came about after the execution of Louis XVI. With the monarchy gone, France was governed by the Directoire executif (executive directory), from which the name of the style derives. Many criticized the old regime’s propensity for excessive luxury, and in response they began to opt for sleek, austere designs with light ornamentation. Furniture of the time stressed simple shapes, clean lines and strong proportions. Today these furnishings can be used in virtually any space, thanks to their streamlined forms and casual dignity.