Important Flat Office, Attr. To G.durand, France, Circa 1880

Important flat desk attrib to G.Durand

France
Circa 1880
Height : 79 cm (31 in.) ; Length : 198 cm (78 in.) ; Depth : 101 cm (39,7 in.)
Important double-side flat desk in kingwood and satinwood veneer, opening with three frieze drawers. Mounted with Rocaille style chiseled ormolu representing shells, foliage and flower garlands. Raised on four cabriole legs ornamented with chiseled ormolu.
related work
This flat desk is inspired by the one executed by the cabinet-maker Joseph Baumhauer, which was offered by King Louis XV to Empress Elisabeth I of Russia in 1745. It is now exhibited in the Los Angeles Getty Center.

Biography : 
Gervais Durand (1839-1911) participated in the 1889 Universal Exhibition where he was awarded a silver medal. A. Picard’s exhibition report stated that, « Mr Durand, cabinet-maker, as skillful as modest, displays for the first time very fine furniture, which has been designed and made by him. He is walking in the footsteps of giants such as Beurdeley and Dasson ». Durand made almost exclusively reproductions of 18th Century masterpieces.
Joseph Baumhauer died in 1772 in Paris. This important French cabinet-maker born in Germany was appointed Dealer and Cabinet-maker to the King around 1749. He executed bureau plats, corner cabinets, chests of drawers and secretaires.