Secrétaire à abattant 1820 - 1825

This Secrétaire à abattant, or fall-front desk, is an example of French furniture from the Empire period. The desk, created by an anonymous artist in 1820-1825, is now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. It is constructed from wood and features classical details like the pilasters on each side, referencing the style of the Roman Empire. The desk is a classic example of Neoclassical design with its use of symmetrical forms and elegant lines.