19th Century Mahogany Laurel And Torch Desk

Desk with laurels and torches. Mahogany and marquetry. 19th century. The desk is made of mahogany and opens with 3 drawers in the belt and two doors, the latter reveal, on the right, a layout with three other drawers, and on the left, a volume equipped with a removable shelf. It is necessary to note the refinement of the locking system of the two doors, the locks are positioned laterally, on the interior face of the box, so as not to interfere with the decoration and the sobriety of the facade. The drawers, the uprights between them, and the pilasters surrounding the doors are decorated with a decoration of light wood marquetry fillets. The whole is supported by small sheathed feet. The other three sides of the piece of furniture are also finished in mahogany, but do not have marquetry. It is dismountable and easily transportable, composed of 3 elements, the two side parts and the top including the belt and the drawers. It is necessary to note the care of execution brought by the cabinetmaker, in particular the dovetail assembly of the two side boxes, the front of the interior drawers, the finesse of the marquetry. This is a Danish manufacture from the middle of the 19th century, old inscriptions in Danish in pencil under the top that can be translated "Lieutenant Boiago?n Copenhagen". Of a functional use in addition to its aesthetic, this desk can be easily used in the middle of a room, as well in a classic directorial or restoration atmosphere as in a modern concept. 140x78x75 cm On the symbolism of the decor: In Greek mythology, the laurel crown bore the symbols of wisdom and glory. Apollo made the laurel his sacred tree when the nymph Daphne, to escape his advances, was transformed into a laurel tree by her father the river god Peneus, and decided that a crown braided with its foliage would be used to crown the victors and the poets. Over the centuries, it has become a universal symbol of success, honor and glory. The meaning of the torch more generally symbolizes the light on life, knowledge, and its transmission, from which comes the popular expression "pass the torch". Torch races developed in antiquity in the classical periods, particularly in Athens as part of festivals dedicated to the divinities. The torch will be chosen in the middle of the 20th century as a symbol in the context of the modern Olympic Games. The clear decor, inlaid in light wood on this desk, combined with the combination of laurel wreath and torch motifs, the symbols of victory, glory, knowledge and transmission. Personalized delivery, contact us