Scriban or secretary chest in the Louis XVI style from France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The top drawer is actually a fake drawer that has a drop front. It reveals a leather covered writing surface and three dovetailed interior drawers. The front of the drop front is trimmed in brass and features two brass pulls and hardware. The leather writing surface is embossed with a 23 carat gold leafed frieze. The bottom of the piece has two doors that open to three interior drawers. The drawer fonts are ebonized as well. The doors feature the brass trim, pulls, and hardware to match the top. There is one key. The chest sits on four tapered, brass capped feet. This classic piece supports an original dark gray veined Turquin marble slab. This piece is in excellent antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.

Louis XVI Style refers to the style defined by the period in France under the reign of King Louis XVI (1760-1789) — the last French monarch before the Revolution. Inspired by the discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum, this era saw a revival of Greek and Roman styles. There was a sharp movement away from the Rococo style, as curved lines and heavy ornamentation became unfashionable, giving way to clean, straight lines. Restrained, geometrical forms were preferred and stylized references to classical Greek architecture were recaptured. Furniture and interiors were refined, sophisticated, calm and symmetrical.