Secretaire Biedermeier; c. 1820.

Secretaire Biedermeier; c. 1820.
Wood and bone.
Measurements: 200 x 107 x 50,5 cm.
Secretaire Biedermeier style of volumetric structure with straight lines and simple shapes that denote the functionality and beauty characteristic of this period. The wood, of a warm and luminous tone, has probably been carefully selected to bring out the beauty of the natural grain and the top of the cabinet has a classic design. A triangular pediment tops the piece, giving it an air of distinction. Opening the hinged door reveals a functional space. A large desk folds out, offering a generous surface for writing or reading. Small compartments and drawers are neatly arranged.

The Biedermeier style showed a simplified interpretation of Napoleon I's influential French Empire style, 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.