French "Roll-Top" Desk or Bureau à Cylindre; Early Napoleonic Empire Period Antique/Decorative Art

Cylinder desks predate and are technically different than the "roll-top" desks which are particularly familiar to the American eye and which were popular from the 1880s through the mid 20th century. Cylinder desks, such as this one dating to around the year 1800, are clearly the ancestor to these roll-tops which were first patented in the United States in 1882 by cabinetmaker Abner Cutler of New York. Far beforehand, and when some furniture was being made at the height of it's art form, the cylinder desk emerged in France during the 1750s. It replaced the slant-front fall-down writing surface of "slant-front" desks popular in the mid 18th century, with a rolling cylindrical lid. These are personal desks, designed for privacy, security, and one sided use (as opposed to a bureau plat which sports a wide open surface with no lid to hide papers and across which one would receive guests and associates). The cylinder desk becomes a staple among fine luxury french furniture during the reign of Louis XVI. A circa 1780-85 desk from this period is shown in the video to demonstrate the evolution of style from 1780-1800. This desk is a fine example of the transitional moment between the 18th and 19th centuries in furniture history. Some 18th century stylistic elements linger on, while other bolder aspects of the desk announce the impending Napoleonic Empire style. As usual, I hope this visual reference will interest seasoned collectors as much as it will help newcomers to the subject. Seeing good period furniture will help you understand the difference between general antiques and beautiful antiques - these early pre-industrial period pieces. Many thanks to all viewers, subscribers, and customers, Cole Myers Myers & Monroe, LLC