Table desk 1685 - 1699

This "Table desk" is a masterpiece of French cabinetmaking created by André Charles Boulle between 1685 and 1699. The piece is known for its intricate marquetry, a decorative technique that involves inlaying different colored woods and materials to create complex designs. Boulle's signature style, known as "Boulle work," is evident in this table desk with its use of tortoise shell and brass. The table desk is a fine example of the Rococo style, characterized by its delicate curves, lavish ornamentation, and emphasis on asymmetry. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.