Collection Highlights: Secretaire by Jean Henry Riesener

Marie-Antoinette escaped the rigours of court etiquette by visiting the Petit Trianon, a small but perfectly-formed house in the grounds of Versailles that became her personal retreat. This desk was supplied for the Petit Trianon by Riesener, her favourite cabinet-maker, on 8 March 1783. With exquisite veneer decoration that echoes the flowers grown in the gardens of the Petit Trianon, this piece can be found in the Wallace Collection’s Study.