Secretaire Biedermeier; c. 1820.

Secretaire Biedermeier; c. 1820.
Wood, bone and glass.
It retains key and good state of preservation.
It has secret drawers.
Measurements: 174 x 114 x 57 cm.
This secretaire is a faithful representative of the 19th century Biedermeier style. Its robust but delicate presence attracts attention, with its carefully polished wood, which allows the grain to shine. At the top, a closed compartment rises with distinction, crowned by a small door with an aged mirror. On either side, curved edges soften its silhouette, giving a sense of harmony. Just below, a hinged lid reveals a writing surface covered with a green felt, soft and functional, which seems to have been designed to inspire important thoughts and letters. Around it, small, perfectly aligned drawers frame an arched central space, ideal for storing treasures of paper and ink. The main body of the cabinet is anchored by two spacious lower drawers, adorned with simple ring hardware, reflecting the refined modesty of the style.
The Biedermeier style displayed a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire style of Napoleon I, which introduced stylistic features of the ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting them to the modern homes of the early 19th century. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials, such as cherry, ash and oak woods, rather than expensive woods such as fully imported mahogany. While this wood was available near commercial ports such as Antwerp, Hamburg and Stockholm, it was heavily taxed whenever it passed through another principality.