Maurice-Bernard Evalde - Lady's Desk - Walters 6560

This desk bears the stamp of Evalde, who became a master ébéniste, or maker of inlaid furniture, in 1765. He was responsible for the now lost jewel cabinet that King Louis XV of France presented to Marie-Antoinette on the occasion of her marriage to the future Louis XVI in 1770. The key to this desk bears the crown of France, indicating that the piece may have been made for a member of the royal family. The doors are inlaid in colored marquetry (wood inlay). Among the images found on the surface are a writing table and navigational instruments. The desk's front drawer opens to reveal an inlaid writing surface, which slides back to reveal compartments below.