Images(3)

Two-sided desk

Maker Pierre Garnier (French, ca. 1720 - 1800)

Additional Title(s)

Bureau Plat

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1762-1765

Mediumoak carcase veneered with purplewood and mahogany; gilt bronze mounts; modern leather top.

Dimensions30 1/4 x 63 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (76.8 x 161.3 x 97.8 cm.)

DescriptionNeoclassical writing table.

SignedStamped three times on the rail on one side of the table and one time on the other side: P·GARNIER. Typed paper labels in the proper right front drawer, underlined in red: Period LOUIS XVI., / Stamped "P. Garnier" / from the Collection of:-- / The Comtesse de Terray, / Bould. St, Germain, / Paris. Partial paper label affixed to lower right corner: 392(?)… Typed paper label in the proper left rear drawer: "LARGE WRITING TABLE / Signed "P. Garnier"/ From Collection of / COMTESSE de TERRAY,/ Boulevard St, germain, Paris…."

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

Not on view

Label TextLike other French writing desks in the Huntington collection, this one was intended to be used by two people sitting opposite each other. Both functional and stylish, it comes from the workshop of Pierre Garnier, one of the pioneers of neoclassical furniture production in 18th-century France. With its strong, rectilinear lines and shining gilt-bronze mounts inspired by ancient Greek motifs, it would have appealed to Garnier’s most forward-thinking clients.

Object number11.28