it
Empire-style fall-front desk in solid walnut, crafted in Northern Italy during the first quarter of the 19th century. The piece stands out for its clean, essential design, rooted in classical and architectural proportions, and for the quality of the walnut wood, carefully selected for its richly marked grain that enhances the material’s expressive character.
The front is composed of three drawers, flanked by two tapered pilasters attached to the uprights and embellished with gilt bronze mounts depicting sphinx heads—symbols of strength and wisdom, and a hallmark of the Empire aesthetic shaped by the European fascination with the Retour d’Égypte. This decorative trend, which spread following Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign (1798–1801), introduced iconographic elements inspired by ancient Egypt into European furnishings, lending them an aura of exoticism and grandeur.
The fall-front writing surface opens to reveal a practical and elegant interior fitted with small drawers of various sizes, designed to store letters, documents, and personal items.
Entirely original in all its parts, the desk has been restored using traditional methods with shellac and wax, preserving a natural finish that highlights the warm, vibrant grain of the walnut.
An iconic and refined piece, with a presence that is at once solid and graceful—representative of the finest Italian Empire production.
It tells the story of a distinct way of life and can seamlessly return to the homes of today, adapting to both classical settings and contemporary interiors. There, it offers a striking material and stylistic contrast, especially when paired with a period painting or curated artwork.
A timeless furnishing element, destined to become part of a lived-in family collection—something to be used, cherished, and passed on—standing in sharp contrast to the disposable furniture of our time.
- Material: Solid walnut wood
- Size: cm 112 x 60 x 111 h.
- Condition: Restored
- Period: Early 19th
- Style: Imperial
- State: Optimal conditions
