Secretary with a marble top - antique from 1840

Ancient secretary from the period of the Directorate, veneered with walnut wood with inlays of rosewood and maple. The original top is made of black Serpentine marble. The edges are rounded, vertically inlaid with boxwood, and an inlaid strip with geometric motifs made of maple and rosewood runs horizontally across the base. Inside, there is a cabinet marked from top to bottom with a cardboard, some partitions, and a series of Poggiante drawers on two ebonized pear-shaped legs (not original). It features a high lower plinth that conceals a false drawer, followed by three drawers veneered with maple (the middle one has been reconstructed). The abattant hides a framework of ebonized columns and arches resting on a rich floor of walnut and maple with geometric patterns, so we find 2 rows of 5 maple drawers with handles made from lion mask-shaped gilded metal. On the sides and under the top, there are 13 secret compartments. A balcony with an ebonized balustrade at the top conceals a drawer. Finally, the last drawer is placed beneath the frame supporting the black Serpentine marble top; this drawer has a front matching the shape of the frame, which decorates the entire end of the cabinet. At the back of the cabinet, there is an inscription: “In the year 1840, on March 10th, Albenga in Botega, carpenter Filippo (pi…) and Franco Conte.” The drawer locks are not original; the cabinet has been recently restored.

Clear age and origin: 1840, Albenga in Liguria, Savona province. Regarding dating, it should be noted that the discussed secretary stylistically transitions towards Louis Philippe (see the flared shape of the drawer under the top and the light inlay on a darker background), but like the geometric decorations and the silhouette, which is better than the tulip influence, it reflects an earlier taste. 

As for the origin, in Piedmont and Liguria, especially, rounded edge decorations with vertical inlays, marble tops, and particularly large “tulip” shapes are quite common.

The furniture comes with a certificate of market approval.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that have a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture is from the 19th century, during which the prevailing style was Biedermeier. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from Portuguese barocco – meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

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Claw of a lion, eagle's head – these are common motifs especially in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture crafted in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture manufacturing differently, so each style in a given nation had its own distinct character. This is especially important when searching for the perfect exclusive antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photograph. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.