In the collection ofArt Institute of Chicago
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Desk · Milan
Bureau
Probably Fratelli Valentini Workshop (about 1760–70) · Milan · c. 1760–65
The top portion of this desk drops down to create a writing surface, revealing a suite of discreet drawers. Its bulbous shape (bombé in French) is characteristic of continental European furniture from the mid-1700s. Northern Italian designers developed a distinct style, called Barocchetto, inspired by marble church altars. Craftspeople expertly arranged the burl-walnut veneers in this example to mimic marbling, while raised molding unifies the drawers, enhancing the visual harmony.
— Art Institute of Chicago, catalogue text
The same form in other collections
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Members have built this form
From the Member Gallery — original work, photographed by the people who made it.
