Restoration of a 17th century Mazarin desk in blackened pearwood, gilding and gilt bronzes.
Designed between 1670 and 1680, during the reign of the Sun King, the Mazarin desk, named after the cardinal who was then chief minister at the court of Louis XIV, is a typical piece of 17th century furniture. The forerunner of the minister’s desk, its imposing silhouette is enhanced by marquetry and finely worked lines. The seven drawers do not reach all the way down to the floor, and there is also a window that opens with a flap. The central drawer and the two side pedestals are raised by eight legs that form pilasters linked by X or H braces.
Designed for writing and storing documents, the Mazarin desk is halfway between a table and a secretary.