IN THE MUSEUMS
Secretaire – Louis XVI era
Cylinder secretaire made with rosewood, amaranth, and sycamore veneering.
It is adorned with chiselled, gilded openwork bronze ornaments.
Stamped by Mathieu-Guillaume Cramer. Circa 1775.
Donated by Mr René Grog
Musée du Louvre, Paris.
This cylinder secretaire, “King of Sardinia”, was made by the cabinetmaker Mathieu-Guillaume Cramer circa 1775. It was created during the Transition, more specifically during the Louis XVI era. It was characterised by the wide use of very structured elements and yellow wood – such as lemon tree – marquetry.
With this secretaire, the craftsman expressed the full extent of his talent. It features a cylinder with laths, as well as five drawers. The chiselled, gilded bronze ornaments are sculptures in their own right. These patterns, which can be found on the fretwork, are the true centrepiece.
This piece was meticulously crafted, especially at the back. Cramer created false drawers that are enhanced by the repeated ring patterns and the bronze ornaments on the frieze.
Cramer honed his craft to perfection and showcased his talent with these wood and bronze ornaments.
