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Louis XVI Danish Secretary by Caspar Frederik Harsdorff, circa 1780
€19,503
Caspar Frederik Harsdorff (1735–1799)
Denmark, Copenhagen, circa 1780
An outstanding secretary and a masterwork of Danish furniture from the late 18th century, designed by Caspar Frederik Harsdorff.
Executed in solid Cuban mahogany and fitted with original gilt-bronze mounts.
The piece is constructed in three principal sections: a lower commode with two large drawers and a smaller upper drawer; above this, the secretary section with a fall-front writing surface. The interior is fitted with a series of small drawers with fine marquetry decoration and a central compartment concealed behind a tambour door, formed as simulated book spines and lined with patinated leather. The arrangement is both practical and carefully considered, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship.
The upper section features a larger tambour door, topped by a broken gallery and a concealed drawer.
The vertically fluted surfaces, restrained carved details and discreet original locks concealed behind circular brass escutcheons clearly place the piece within the Louis XVI style, where ornamentation is controlled and proportions and materials are carefully balanced.
Caspar Frederik Harsdorff was a leading figure in the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism in Denmark. As Royal Building Inspector and professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he consistently worked with clarity, proportion and architectural order—principles that are evident in this piece, where the cabinetmaking takes on an almost architectural character.
Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Gustav Falck (1874–1955), Director of the National Gallery of Denmark.
The secretary remains in fine original condition, with a well-preserved surface and a deep, natural patina, carefully restored with respect for its age and materials.
A rare and important piece of Danish furniture, representing a very high level of craftsmanship and functioning equally convincingly as a utilitarian object and as a work of cultural and historical significance.
Dimensions:
Height: 205 cm · Width: 120 cm · Depth: 64 cm (98 cm with fall-front open)
| SKU | 106483 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Denmark |
| Year | C. 1780 |
| Measurements | Height: 205 · Width: 120 · Depth: 64 (98 cm with fall-front open) |
| Material | Cuban mahogany | Leather | Brass |
| Location | Kirstinehøj 27C, 2770 Kastrup |
| Style | Louis XVI |
| Artist | Caspar Frederik Harsdorff |
METHOD OF PURCHASE
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