Drop-front secretary on stand (secrètaire à abattant or secrétaire en cabinet) (one of a pair) (part of a set) 1785 - 1795

This drop-front secretary on stand was crafted by Adam Weisweiler, probably in Paris. While undated, it probably belongs to the late eighteenth century. The opulence of this object speaks to a peculiar moment in the history of luxury. The black lacquer finish imitates East Asian art, which was in high demand by the French aristocracy. In this context, the secretary becomes more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a symbol of global trade and cultural exchange, but also of elite privilege. The Parisian cabinet makers guild regulated production but also fostered a creative environment. To understand it better, we can look into archival sources such as guild records, trade inventories, and personal letters, tracing the circulation of luxury goods and the social networks that sustained them. The meaning of this object resides not just in its aesthetic qualities but in its complex relationship to the economic and social structures of its time.