Louis XV period, by French cabinet-maker Jean Chrysostome Stumpff (master as of 1766), c. 1775, stamped, softwood frame, rosewood and amaranth veneer, marquetry with various partly dyed precious woods in patterned themes typical of this cabinet-maker, polished finish in traditional artisanal technique, the facing side with 2 doors, 1 drawer and fall-front, interior with 6 inside drawers, open compartments and two cartoniers with gilt decor, chased gilt bronze fittings, 139 x 97 x 98 cm, in beautiful, perfectly restored condition. (MIN)

This type of “trompe-l’oeil” marquetry, featuring a combination of cube and rhomb patterns, can be found on chests of drawers, writing desks and secretary desks by Jean Chrysostome Stumpff. This three-dimensional pattern, most likely invented by Stumpff himself, was so successful that other renowned cabinet-makers, including Roger Vandercruse, Pierre Roussel and Jean George Schlichtig, also applied it to their furniture. Two almost identical secretary desks are illustrated in Pierre Kjellberg's reference work "Le Mobilier francais du XVIII siecle" (1998 edition) as works by Jean Christostome Stumpff (p. 827) and Jean Georges Schlichtig (p. 791) respectively.

Lit.:
- Comte de Salverte, “Les Ebenistes du XVIIIe siecle” Paris 1985, p. 313 - Andre Theunissen, “Meubles et sieges du XVIIIe siecle” Paris 1929, p. 169 - Pierre Kjellberg, “Le mobilier francais du XVIIIe siecle” Paris 1998, pp. 824–828
The present item is subject to conservation legislation (ASB).