Empire Secrétaire with Caryatids, Early 19th Century

Empire secretary featuring four drawers and a flat fall-front writing surface. The piece stands on ebonized and gold-patinated paw feet and is flanked by pilasters carved with wooden caryatid busts and claw feet at the base. The mounts are made of fire-gilded bronze. The writing surface is ebonized, and the interior is fitted with ten drawers arranged around a central compartment with double arcade arches and column decoration. The mirrored back enhances the visual effect of the radially arranged parquetry in various woods. Veneered in walnut, the secretary has been professionally restored and hand polished.