This pen-tray is appropriately inlaid with books supported by serpents of knowledge and standing on laurel-enriched plinths that are lit by lamps, emblematic of wisdom, hanging from triumphal arches formed by jewelled ribbon-scrolls enriched with palms. The front and back celebrate the triumph of love, with Venus attended by Cupid, while the former is flanked by festive musicians with dancing dogs, and the latter by sphynxes, guardians of knowledge. These picturesque motifs, as well as the lady on the swing and the billing doves, derive from designs by Jean Bérain (T.Strange, An Historical Guide to French Interiors, Furniture, Decoration, Woodwork & Allied Arts London, 1950, pp. 90-110). Related snakes feature on the side of an inkstand illustrated in P. Hughes, The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Furniture, vol.II, p.709. no 149 (F49).