18th century French Antique Furniture: Roll top desk circa 1795!

The roll top desk, or cylinder desk, bureau à cylindre in French, is an invention of the mid 18th century. This is a late Louis XVI period, also known as directoire, example in mahogany with elaborate brass ornamentation. This video explores the piece which is a memorable example of this type of desk which is an iconic piece in the repertoire of period furniture.
This desk is a fine example of Louis XVI style and period neoclassicism, this lighthearted neoclassicism with fluted legs (like the flutings on an ancient column), straight lines, and a symmetrical design. We note however that unlike the more austere chapters in the evolution of European neoclassicism to follow, the rectilinearity and and right angles of this style of furniture are softened by rounded moldings and subtle curves at every opportunity. The Louis the 16th style, one of the most successful in French history, is thus neoclassical but not rigid, and not devoid of movement.
Many thanks to all viewers and subscribers,
Cole

[@dyinteriors]

You are a connoisseur of great reckoning. I so enjoy your sophisticated educational talk and presentation.

[@MrKurns]

Very nice. So was your attire.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Dear Cole: Your enthusiasm and knowledge seem to have no end. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity nor the resources to dedicate myself to the study of furniture in depth or to go into the antique trade, but I certainly enjoy your wonderful videos and I try to read as much as possible. Thanks to you I have just found that there are several types of mahogany. I shall quote what I read: "ll faut savoir que les bois d’acajou ne sont pas un et ne sont pas tous aussi recherchés. Si l’acajou ronceux qui présente une infinie de tons aux dessins souvent dentelés est le plus fin et délicat, l’acajou uni a une valeur moindre. L’acajou moiré aux veines ondulées et chatoyantes ressemble, lui, au tissu du même nom tandis que l’acajou flammé « imite » les jets de flammes." I have to say that I cannot distinguish between the "moiré" and the "flammé" unless I could see samples of them next to each other. Thank you so much for your fantastic videos. Wishing you all the best, Claudio.

[@MyersMonroe]

Thanks for commenting - I am glad you enjoyed the video! The difference between flammé and moiré is pretty subtle and perhaps even subjective, but the grain of moiré is supposed to be a little less symmetrical and it is sort of squished and disorganized flowing horizontally. Regarding the thickness of veneer, near the end of the pre industrial period the veneers do become pretty thin. 2mm is common on 18th century pieces such as this one though - but some very fine furniture in the 1830s for instance will have thinner veneers.

[@andrecarr2712]

Love learning about the details that tell its a period piece! Great video! 🙌🏻

[@MyersMonroe]

Thank you - I’ll be sure to put more practical info in them!

[@mhdfrb9971]

Always love pre industrial technology!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Wonderful piece, would be interesting to know the value of some of pieces you show us. Brilliant video as always, many thanks

[@handcraftedbygrbroussard361]

Love your videos! Keep posting!

[@MyersMonroe]

Glad you like them ! Please share with other furniture makers !

[@annacoribioanna]

omg that is a beautiful piece

[@sarahcutting4341]

Beautiful piece and informative video. Great to see these items in such wonderful light!!

[@AnNguyen-qv5io]

Appreciate your video

[@BatchelderPatrick]

Is it possible, from extant invoices, to give us an idea how much was paid for this in today's dollars?

[@MyersMonroe]

Sorry for the late response - my notifications have been acting up. There are indeed invoices, and although the time value of money calculations are very difficult to do perfectly, this piece would have been around $15,000 back then.

[@Leroyy536]

Cuban mahogany?

[@MyersMonroe]

Yes - probably harvested there or in Haiti

[@mrboult1616]

Is the desk signed?

[@MyersMonroe]

It sure could be ... I did not find a signature but have heard that one place to look is beneath the white marble by removing the brass gallery and then the pine frame under the marble to check the tops of the oak case side posts there ... sort of a lot of trouble to check... but maybe I will - so far nothing on the underside or on the drawers. Glad you like the video !

[@mrboult1616]

@@MyersMonroe If you did find one, it would increase the value. Plus, if it has the JME mark, too, that would add to the value.

[@njkauto2394]

Sordid political people in history pointlessly attached really takes away the enjoyment from otherwise beautiful pieces. Ho-hum.