Biedermeier Secretary with Transfer Decoration, Johann Georg Hiltl (1771–1845), Munich, circa 1825

Biedermeier secretary veneered in mahogany with thuja burl and green-patinated surfaces, adorned with gilt-bronze mounts. The writing flap features a transfer-printed architectural interior depicting a Gothic cathedral. The case is flanked by two columns in thuja root with gilt-bronze capitals and bases. The lower section comprises two doors, topped by a drawer beneath a flat molded cornice. The interior is fitted with six small maple drawers, each decorated with painted ink motifs of lyres and scrolling vines. The central compartment, divided by ebonized columns with arched framing, is mirrored at the back. The sides display classical figural scenes executed in transfer technique. Restored condition. Comparable example in Munich, Bayerische Staatskanzlei (Himmelheber, Biedermeiermöbel, p. 116, fig. 58).