Secretary

attributed to Adam Weisweiler, c. 1761 - c. 1763

Severe, rectilinear writing furniture, such as this desk, is typical of the French Empire style. The bronze deco-ration is derived from antiquity. The front legs are shaped like sphinxes: half woman, half eagle. This secretary was bought by the 7th Earl of Elgin in 1804. He is known for having acquired the Parthenon sculptures, which he sold on to the British Museum.

  • Artwork typefurniture, secretary
  • Object numberBK-1992-30
  • Dimensionsheight 122.5 cm x width 78 cm x depth 42 cm, width 76 cm x depth 39 cm
  • Physical characteristicseikenhout, belijmd met taxushout, citroenhout, purperharthout en tin, ingelegd met een plaquette van veelkleurig beschilderd porselein (pâte tendre), vergulde en gepatineerde bronzen monturen, bovenblad van vert Maurin marmer, spiegelglas