Louis XV Period Flat Desk, Stamped Rochette

Dimensions: H. 29.5 x W. 64.2 x D. 30.7 inches
Stamped under the apron on the side of the drawers

This superb flat desk has three drawers and was made around 1740 by Laurent Rochette in Paris. The curves of the apron and the feet are perfectly balanced. The style of this desk is very elegant, and the decor is simple, but every element is done with the utmost detail.

The marquetry is made out of wood that was cut along the grain. This can be seen in the réserves as well as in the frames. The cabinetmaker’s choice to only use one wood, amaranth, to plate the desk gives it an incredible amount of modernity. The finely chiseled and gilt bronze details contrast perfectly with the dark and precious amaranth. The fine and regular veins of the amaranth further refines the desk.

It should be noted that the desk has ideal and relatively unusual dimensions; it has the width of 64.2 inches (163 centimeters), which places it between the large classic desks of 59 inches (150 centimeters), and the very large often unsightly desks of 71 inches (180 centimeters). The construction of the desk is neat: the fonçures are finely made, the amaranth has been scrupulously chosen, the sides of the feet have been skillfully carved, and the chiseling of the bronze rocaille foliage have been finely made. The plateau was covered with a reddish-brown leather from a later period that is enclosed with an amaranth réserve and a beautiful bronze ingot mold.

Laurent Rochette, born in 1723, is a known cabinetmaker from the middle of the 18th century. He worked on rue de Charonne and also ran a furniture store on rue Saint Antoine. He is renowned for his Louis XV furniture made out of plated wood and his very neat/polished works. Before 1750, he obtained a royal certificate naming him “cabinetmaker privileged according to the court”. This was an honorable title given to him based on his undeniable mastery of his craft.