Writing Table (bureau plat)

c. 1740/1745

Charles Cressent

Associated Names
Charles Cressent

Cabinetmaker, French, 1685 - 1768

This is a photograph of an ornate wooden table. The table is crafted with an intricate design featuring elaborate gilded accents and carvings. It stands on four legs, each adorned with detailed brass or gilded appliqués depicting human figures and decorative elements. The tabletop appears to be made of a rich wood, possibly with inlaid patterns, bordered by a gilded trim. The craftsmanship suggests a classical or baroque influence with a strong emphasis on luxury and detail. The table is set against a plain background, emphasizing its decorative features.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    veneered on oak and pine with kingwood, tulipwood, purplewood, boxwood, and ebony; gilded bronze mounts

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 83.8 x 194.2 x 89.8 cm (33 x 76 7/16 x 35 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.423

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mme. Marion de Bressellogue, Chateau Longue, near Toulouse. (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 19 December 1907 by Peter A.B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania;[1] inheritance from Estate of Peter A.B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.
[1] Provenance from Widener collection records, in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1973

  • François Boucher in North American Collections: One Hundred Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Art Institute of Chicago, 1973-1974, not in catalogue or brochure (shown only in Washington).

1994

  • Fanciful Flourishes: Ornament in European Graphic Art and Related Objects, 1300-1800, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, brochure, no. 91.

Bibliography

1942

  • Works of Art from the Widener Collection. Foreword by David Finley and John Walker. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1942: 18.

1959

  • Boger, Louise Ade. The Complete Guide to Furniture Styles. New York, 1959: 117, pl. 150.

1963

  • Boutemy, André. "Cressent, les motifs qui permettent de le reconnaître." Connaissance des Arts 136 (June 1963): 76-77, fig. 13.

1997

  • Blakemore, Robbie G. History of Interior Design and Furniture, From Ancient Egypt to Nineteenth-Century Europe. New York, 1997: 221, repro.

2003

  • Pradère, Alexandre. Charles Cressent: sculpteur, ébéniste du Régent. Dijon, 2003: 127-128, 130 n. 30, 133, 244, 268 no. 58, 334 notes on no. 5, 339 notes on no. 118, repro.

  • Ferment, Claude. Guide du meuble à écrire. Paris, 2003: 61.

Wikidata ID

Q62266864

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