Large Empire style desk with gilt bronze sphinx, after Jacob Desmalter

Stunning large double-sided “bureau plat” desk in the Empire style of Francois Honoré Georges Jacob-Desmalter, (1770-1841).  Flame mahogany with matte and polished gilt bronze. The top lined with gold-stamped green leather. The front has three drawers, so has the back. On the sides supporting the top, four large sphinxes standing on one clawed foot in gilt bronze, inspired by the model on the throne made by Jacob-Desmalter for Napoleon I in the French Senate.

Size: H 79cm – L 180cm – L 105cm

Paris, circa 1900

Lit: A similar model with winged lions has been sold at Koller Auctions in Zurich in 2010. This bureau plat is most certainly from the same Parisian workshop.