Mazarin Desk XVIIth Century

Mazarin desk, Louis XIV 17th century Mazarin desk all sides in natural walnut wood, oak frames. It opens with six curved drawers in six rows on the front. Each of the lateral series rests on four straight baluster legs, connected to each other by "X"-shaped spacers, themselves united by a double-winding spacer. Under the belt drawer, a recessed niche centers the two series of drawers to leave room for the knees. The sides and the back are board-mounted. All topped with a wooden top with keys. work from the Rhone Valley or even Lyonnais from the Louis XIV period, first part of the 17th century The Mazarin desks were designed by Cardinal Mazarin, minister of Louis XIV from 1642 to 1661, for modernity. These desks were to be used at an angle, with one knee below the writing surface and another knee outside. This position was necessary because at the time they were members of the nobility. Now according to etiquette, members of the nobility constantly carried a sword in a scabbard at their side, which would have made it difficult to use a modern desk. However, these desks are made to be used with both legs under the work surface.