Louis XV Style Marquetry Bureau de Dame by E. Quilet, Paris

A stunning late-19th-century French desk in the elegant Louis XV style, showcasing exceptional floral marquetry and opulent ormolu bronze mounts. This exquisite piece features a slender, graceful form defined by its serpentine (cabriole) legs and richly curved silhouette. The contrast of the darker panels against the warm veneer, accented by the elaborate bronze hardware, makes this a true statement piece of French artistry and craftsmanship.

 Dimensions: 29.5” L x 18.5 F X 36.5 H

 

Origin & Era

• Late 19th Century (c. 1880–1900)

• France

 

Design & Craftsmanship

This desk is a celebration of luxurious Rococo styling and detailed artistry:

• Stunning Floral Marquetry: The slanted top and apron feature intricate inlaid panels depicting flowing floral designs, executed in various contrasting wood veneers.

• Opulent Ormolu Mounts: Richly detailed bronze chutes (decorative mounts) adorn the knees of the legs, topped with classical female mascarons. The desk is further enhanced by decorative bronze borders and a gallery railing surrounding the top edge.

• Serpentine Lines: Gracefully curved cabriole legs and an undulating shape embody the luxurious Louis XV aesthetic.

• Fitted Interior: The fold-down writing surface reveals a practical and beautifully veneered fitted interior, complete with multiple cubbies and three small drawers for organizing correspondence and writing tools.

• Writing Surface: The drop-down writing slope features a lush, contrasting blue felt or velvet liner (often a replacement on antique pieces) for comfortable writing.

• Maker's Mark: One of the interior drawers bears a small, oval brass plaque from a known French cabinetmaker or ébéniste, attesting to its quality and provenance.

 

Functionality

• Elegant Writing Space: The slanted top folds down to create an intimate and functional writing desk.

• Storage: Three small drawers and several cubbies provide discreet storage for stationery and valuables.

• Display: The bronze gallery top makes it an ideal surface for displaying decorative items, like small sculptures, framed art, or a delicate vase.

• Versatile Placement: Its slender profile and finished back allow it to be placed anywhere in a room—perfect for a library, drawing room, bedroom, or elegant hallway.

 

Condition Notes

This antique is in beautiful, well-maintained condition with a refined patina appropriate for its age.

• Wood Finish: The veneer and marquetry are stable and in excellent condition, showcasing the richness of the wood grain.

• Ormolu: The bronze mounts retain a wonderful, deep patina consistent with age.

• Interior: The felt writing surface is intact (or has been professionally replaced). Drawers pull open smoothly.

• Structurally solid and sturdy, ready for continued use as a stunning decorative and functional writing piece.

 

Shipping:

Group A: $200

IA, MO, IL, IN, OH, KY

Group B: $225

WY, CO, KS, NE, NM, OK, AR, MT, LA, MS, AL, TN, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, PA, DC, MD, DE, NJ, MI, MN

Group C: $340

WA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, ND, SD, TX, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME, CA, San Antonio, Houston, Florida (south of Panhandle / Jacksonville)