Desk (bonheur du jour) 1764 - 1774

This "bonheur du jour" (literally "happiness of the day") desk, crafted by Martin Carlin in the mid-18th century, exemplifies the refined taste of the French Rococo period. The desk's delicate, curved legs and ornate gilded bronze mounts create a sense of elegance, while the porcelain plaques depicting floral motifs and landscapes showcase the artistry of Sèvres porcelain. The "bonheur du jour" was a popular piece of furniture in 18th-century France, typically placed in a boudoir or lady's dressing room, reflecting the changing social roles and desires of women during the era.