17th c. Oak Desk

Oh, Master and Commander. This 17th-century oak desk, dated around 1620, was found in Montpellier and originally came from a noble home in the Pyrenees. Its bowed drawers, heavy paneled center cabinet, and turned feet speak to the early Baroque style that dominated the reign of Louis XIII, when craftsmanship was bold, architectural, and meant to impress. The broad plank top shows centuries of use, perhaps ink stains and candle marks from its earliest owner, a land steward or naval officer. Sylvie imagines it now as the kind of desk where ideas are plotted, letters are written, and a bit of history is still at work.

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