Antique secretary after designs by Friedrich Gottlob Hoffmann

Dimensions: H x W x D: 144 x 89 x 51 cm

Description:
The two-part body of the piece of furniture consists of a chest of drawers with three large drawers, on which the slightly recessed upper section with writing flap is placed. When this is opened, the interior becomes accessible with two large niches behind arcade arches, each concealing two small drawers that protrude when hidden mechanisms are triggered. The base of the centre risalit is designed as a secret compartment and can be pulled forwards out of the single compartment.

Above the writing flap there is another large drawer, followed by a pagoda-shaped top section, which also conceals a secret drawer that springs out when a hidden release button is pressed. A profile encased in brass forms the upper end. The gilded hardware, consisting of pull handles, rosettes and leaf garlands with bows, is partly cast in brass and partly embossed from sheet brass.

The furniture was exhibited in 2014/15 in the Grassi Museum Leipzig's exhibition on the life and work of the Leipzig cabinetmaker Friedrich Gottlob Hoffmann.

Hoffmann ran a manufactory-like business in Leipzig and is considered the first cabinetmaker to sell his products via printed catalogues. The catalogue illustrations also served as models for other cabinetmakers, as in the case of the secretary described here.
The cabinetmaker obviously used two different models from Hoffmann's catalogues. He derived the two-part body with a recessed top from the secretary published in 1795 on plate XXVIII, while the single-door cabinet with two niches was derived from the secretary published in 1789 on plate no. 10.

Condition: Old restored condition with slight signs of age and use. Suitable for everyday use and polished with shellac.

Price: 4800,- €

The piece of furniture was exhibited in the Grassi Museum Leipzig and was also illustrated in the accompanying exhibition catalogue. See attached photos.