Offered by Galerie Gilles Linossier
A rare Louis XVI mechanical table, stamped by Roussel, featuring marquetry decoration of flowering branches.
This elegant writing table with an oval top rests on delicate straight legs featuring simulated fluting in rosewood and stained sycamore. At the top, gilt-bronze elements in the shape of ears of corn support this *rudenté* (reeded) fluting effect.
The legs are topped with collars and terminate in sabots—all in finely chased gilt bronze featuring stylized foliate motifs. Each leg is crafted from rosewood framed by violetwood and bears a geometric gilt-bronze rosette.
The marquetry top, composed of rosewood and violetwood, displays an expansive design of oak branches and leaves—a tree associated with royalty through its symbolism of longevity, strength, and wisdom. Indeed, the oak is linked to King Louis IX, who, according to legend, would receive his subjects while leaning against an oak tree in the park of the Château de Vincennes. The motif, set against a rosewood background, is bordered by a boxwood stringing line—itself framed by violetwood—and encircled by a finely pierced gilt-bronze gallery.
Two drawers are stacked at the front of the piece. The upper drawer opens using its original key and lock—the latter delicately chased with a laurel wreath topped by a bow—revealing a leather writing surface that lifts to expose various compartments designed for storing paper and ink.
The piece is distinguished by a highly sophisticated mechanism.
A pull-tab located beneath the lower drawer allows it to be opened; this drawer, in turn, reveals two small push-buttons—one on each side—that operate the symmetrically arranged side doors. Once opened, they provide access to six small, fabric-lined drawers, each featuring a fabric pull-tab.
The piece bears the stamp "P. Roussel" and the "JME" mark (the guild stamp of the *Jurande des Maîtres Menuisiers-Ébénistes*) on the lower drawer.
Pierre Roussel, who became a master craftsman on August 21, 1745, is recognized as one of the greatest cabinetmakers of his time, renowned for the exceptional quality of his workmanship.
A magnificent Louis XVI period piece stamped by Roussel,
featuring a rare mechanism, original gilding on the bronze mounts, and superb marquetry.
Dimensions: H 73 cm x W 56 cm x D 35 cm
