This Bureau Plat, with its curved cabriole legs and embossed leather insert, is decorated with ormolu or gilt bronze mounts. The frieze and legs are also decorated with decorative marquetry.
As a piece of furniture, the Bureau Plat emerged in 18th century France, during the reigns of Louis XIV (b.1638-1715) and his great grandson Louis XV (b.1710-1774). This form of writing desk has an open, elegant design, with plenty of legroom and a generous writing surface.
Furniture of the Louis XV period (reigned 1715-1774) is distinguished by its comfort, lightness and curved forms.