A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood secretary from the 19th century, with slant front desk, multiple drawers, grey painted interior, three drawers in the façade and diamond motifs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this painted secretary showcases the stylistic traits reminiscent of the Gustavian era. This piece features a narrow rectangular top sitting above a slant front desk with carved diamond motifs, opening to reveal a grey painted interior. Multiple drawers surround a central door. The writing area comes to rest on two pull outs. The lower section presents three graduated drawers, fitted with brass ring pulls. The sides are plain and the back is, of course, unfinished. The secretary is painted in a soft color typical of the Swedish taste for light palettes aiming at brightening the rooms during the long and dark winters of Scandinavia. The ensemble is raised on four tapered feet.
The Gustavian style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had Fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian Style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. Price and age are of course inextricably linked, the older and rarer the higher the price!
With its clean lines, convenient design and rustic character, this Swedish Gustavian style painted slant front desk from the 19th century will make for a wonderful addition to any home, placed in a living room, study of bedroom.
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th Century
Dimensions: 40.87"W x 20.125"D x 40"H
Inventory Number: XX352
Price: $6,950