Desk 1765 - 1775

This desk was made in France by Joseph Baumhauer in the late 18th century. It is made from oak veneered with tulipwood, sycamore, and various other materials. The desk's elegant curves and floral inlays are typical of the Louis XV style, reflecting the opulence and refinement of the French aristocracy. It was a time when furniture was more than just functional; it was a statement of wealth, taste, and social standing. Aristocratic patronage played a huge role in the production of decorative art at this time. Baumhauer worked in Paris, where the guild system controlled the production of furniture, ensuring high standards of craftsmanship but also reinforcing social hierarchies. The desk embodies the culture of luxury and privilege that would eventually come under scrutiny during the French Revolution. To fully appreciate its meaning, one must look to inventories, guild records, and other documents that shed light on the social and institutional context in which it was created.