Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-0

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-1

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-2

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-3

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-4

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration-5

Style Napoleon III / Ref.10703

Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Writing desk with gilt bronze espagnolettes and porcelain marquetry decoration

Dimensions:
Width: 35''   89cm
Height: 41'' ¾  106cm
Depth: 18'' ⅞  48cm

Origin:
Between 1850 and 1867.

Status:
Rosewood, gilt bronze, porcelain marquetry. In very good condition.

This elegant writing desk is built in a beautiful dark and warm wood, enhanced by gilt bronze ornaments and flower porcelain by Julien-Nicolas Rivart . Inventor, in 1849, of the porcelain marquetry technique, he was then the only one to master this unique and long sought process. We have here an example of these rare decorations with a bouquet of roses and white campanulas on a rosewood background.

Rivart , a skillful artist, achieved an aesthetic synthesis between the Florentine hard stone marquetry and the decoration of porcelain slabs from 18th century. He can hence combine the lightness of marquetry and its sophisticated contrasts effects, with the charm of painting on porcelain. The marquetry invented by Rivart enables these sophisticated hues to contrast directly with the wood, and prevents to hide the veins and the cabinetmaker's beautiful work. For that reason, at the World's Fairs of 1851, 1855 and 1867, this technique is described as "a delicious process", "yet more beautiful than beautiful", and receives the Emperor Napoleon III's congratulations.

The finely chiseled friezes in gilt bronze follow the piece's lines and frame the porcelain bouquet, while the espagnolettes on the four jambs make an echo to the feminine charm of the decoration. The desk is crowned by an open-work gilt bronze balcony, enabling to lay objects on it, and equipped by four drawers opening from outside, their locks adorned of branches.

Equipped with a fine gilt bronze key, this writing desk includes several shelves in its rosewood interior, and a blotter made in a beautiful red leather.