Lot Essay
Jean-Henri Riesener, maître in 1768
This unusual desk incorporates elements of design found in the work of both David Roentgen and Jean-Henri Riesener. The design of the suprestructure and eleborate concealed drawers in the base are features found on a number of Roentgen pieces (see J.M. Greber, Abraham und David Roentgen, Möbel f Europa, vol. II, 1980, fig. 434 and 678). However, most of the mounts, especially those on the lower section, are characteristic of Riesener's oeuvre. It seems likely that Riesener transformed and improved an existing Roentgen desk or even possibly decided to execute a piece in the style which Roentgen had made so popular.
A cylinder desk with the same distinctive base was sold Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 7 January 1955, lot 318.
This unusual desk incorporates elements of design found in the work of both David Roentgen and Jean-Henri Riesener. The design of the suprestructure and eleborate concealed drawers in the base are features found on a number of Roentgen pieces (see J.M. Greber, Abraham und David Roentgen, Möbel f Europa, vol. II, 1980, fig. 434 and 678). However, most of the mounts, especially those on the lower section, are characteristic of Riesener's oeuvre. It seems likely that Riesener transformed and improved an existing Roentgen desk or even possibly decided to execute a piece in the style which Roentgen had made so popular.
A cylinder desk with the same distinctive base was sold Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 7 January 1955, lot 318.