Vintage Design
Central German (Leipzig)
Mahogany, maple burl
around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 144 x 89 x 51 cm
:
The two-part body of the piece of furniture consists of a chest of drawers with three large drawers, on which the slightly recessed upper section with writing flap is placed. When this is opened, the interior becomes accessible with two large niches behind arcade arches, each concealing two small drawers that protrude when hidden mechanisms are triggered. The base of the centre risalit is designed as a secret compartment and can be pulled forwards out of the single compartment.
Above the writing flap there is another large drawer, followed by a pagoda-shaped top section, which also conceals a secret drawer that springs out when a hidden release button is pressed. A profile encased in brass forms the upper end. The gilded hardware, consisting of pull handles, rosettes and leaf garlands with bows, is partly cast in brass and partly embossed from sheet brass.
The furniture was exhibited in 2014/15 in the Grassi Museum Leipzig’s exhibition on the life and work of the Leipzig cabinetmaker Friedrich Gottlob Hoffmann.
Hoffmann ran a manufactory-like business in Leipzig and is considered the first cabinetmaker to sell his products via printed catalogues. The catalogue illustrations also served as models for other cabinetmakers, as in the case of the secretary described here.
The cabinetmaker obviously used two different models from Hoffmann’s catalogues. He derived the two-part body with a recessed top from the secretary published in 1795 on plate XXVIII, while the single-door cabinet with two niches was derived from the secretary published in 1789 on plate no. 10.
Condition: Older restoration with slight signs of age and use. Suitable for everyday use and polished with shellac.
The piece of furniture was exhibited in the Grassi Museum Leipzig and was also illustrated in the accompanying exhibition catalogue. See attached photos.
Please refer to the following literature:
Michael Sulzbacher and Peter Atzig for the Grassi Museum of Applied Arts Leipzig
– Catalogue of the exhibition Friedrich Gottlob Hoffmann p. 251 Fig. 8
| Design Period | Before 1890 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1800 |
| Production Period | Before 1890 |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany |
| Style | Louis XVI |
| Detailed Condition | |
| Restoration and Damage Details |
Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use, Older restorations
|
| Product Code | ZLE-1847911 |
| Materials | Mahogany, Maple |
| Color | Brown |
| Width |
89 cm 35.0 inch |
| Depth |
51 cm 20.1 inch |
| Height |
144 cm 56.7 inch |
| Weight Range | Standard — Between 40kg and 80kg |
| Duties Notice | Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order. |
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