![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/A780B8F5-8BB4-4FF7-89FC-E1F949230E4B/KC6BWX.jpg)
Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire), Guillaume Benneman, 1786–87
Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire), Guillaume Benneman (active 1785, died 1811), and Michaud, Probably cast by Étienne-Jean Forestier (died 1768, master 1764), Pierre-Auguste Forestier, Chased by Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, Paris 1751–1843 Paris), and Bardin, and Tournay and others, Gilded by Galle, 1786–87, French, Paris, Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, holly partly stained green, ebony, and mahogany; brèche d'Alep marble (not original); modern leather; gilt-bronze mounts, H. 63-1/2 x W. 32 x D. 15 in. ( x x cm), Woodwork-Furniture, Guillaume Benneman (active 1785, died 1811), and Michaud, Probably cast by Étienne-Jean Forestier (died 1768, master 1764, Pierre-Auguste Forestier, Chased by Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, Paris 1751–1843 Paris, and Bardin, and Tournay and others, Gilded by Galle, This unusually well documented secretary—known as a secrétaire en armoire because the section below the drop front, or abattant, is fitted as a cupboard (armoire)—beautifully illustrates the collaborative nature of high-quality furniture production in eighteenth-century France
Size: 4038px × 5018px
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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