Drop-front desk (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en cabinet) 1759 - 1780

This drop-front desk, or secretaire, was crafted by Roger Vandercruse, called Lacroix, in France during the 18th century. During this era, furniture became more than functional; it was a statement of identity and status. The desk’s elegant lines and elaborate marquetry embodies the Rococo style, which was favored by the French aristocracy. Examine the desk’s intricate details, like the gilded bronze mounts and the delicate floral patterns on the porcelain plaque. These elements reflect the period's emphasis on luxury and refinement. This piece would have been at home in the private chamber of an aristocratic woman. This space was a place where she maintained correspondence, managed household affairs, and engaged with intellectual pursuits. Consider how a piece like this serves as a looking glass into the lives and values of the elite during the 1700s. It reveals their aspirations, their aesthetic sensibilities, and how their identities were shaped by a world of privilege.