EXCEPTIONAL AND IMPORTANT FLAT DESK CALLED "MINISTER'S DESK" DOUBLE-SIDED - Model by Charles CRESSENT In marquetry wood veneer in frieze, opening to three drawers in belt and three drawers simulated side visitor, with tray with lingotière in gilded bronze trimmed with a havana leather, resting on four curved feet with claw hooves. Rich ornamentation in gilded bronze with motifs of female terns on the corners and masks Very good quality of gilding with matte and burnished From an 18th century model 19th century period H : 82 x W : 176 x D : 93 cm Restorations of use and maintenance Charles Cressent (1685-1768). Born in Amiens, he followed in the footsteps of his father, a sculptor, and his grandfather, a furniture maker. He was accepted as a sculptor at the Academy of Saint Luc in 1714. In 1719 he married the widow of the cabinetmaker of the Duke of Orleans, then regent of the Kingdom, and after taking over the workshop became the prince's official supplier. His talent as a sculptor led him to create the models for his bronzes himself and to have them made in his own workshop. Among his numerous creations, the large flat desks take an important place. They generally have rigorous lines and rest on powerful curved legs decorated with espagnolettes at the corners. This desk looks like the one in the Jean Gismondi gallery, former Bensimon collection. Similar model at the Elysée.