Writing cabinet (secrétaire)

The short plinth with a jointed rim follows the slightly swelling line of the front. The bottom of the cabinet conceals three drawers, with slightly embedded inlays and oval keyhole shields. The cut corner fields of the cabinet are decorated with engaged columns. The outside of the folding plate shows a slightly embedded, arched inlay. On its inside there is a secret compartment, lined with light blue wallpaper, which opens with a spring mechanism. Behind the plate, in the middle, is a wider compartment, veneered with mahogany, which is covered with a small door imitating an arched entrance. The door is flanked by two pilasters. It is surmounted by a drawer panel, which is decorated with a mirror and a baluster. The drawers are placed as follows: there is a broad drawer at the bottom, surmounted by three small ones on each side a drawer of double width is placed on top of each side. Some of the small drawers are divided into compartments. The top is closed by two horizontal prismatic corniches, placed on a triangle- shaped pediment. The stylistic features of this cabinet indicate that it belongs to the North-German type furniture the structure is clumsy and the decoration is far from varied. The use of a plinth instead of feet, and the rectangular, clumsy forms of the top corniche are typical of the furniture made in this area. The decoration is restricted mainly to flat inlays, which are usually embedded, and geometrical. The natural beauty of the veined veneer, on the other hand, is able to unite all elements of the piece.