Small rectangular writing table on four fluted legs, the top decorated with a marquetry trellis pattern. French, ca. 1775

Small writing table on four fluted legs. The top of the table is rectangular with rounded edges. The case is oak veneered with tulipwood. The top is veneered with a marquetry trellis pattern in sycamore, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and purplewood. Four narrow panels of this same marquetry pattern, enclosed in brass frames, outline the four sides of the table.

The front edge of the table is formed as a single drawer front. When pulled out, the top of this drawer is a leather-covered writing surface. To the right of the writing surface is a small purplewood compartment for writing materials. This compartment contains a fitted metal ink well and trough. The writing surface can be slid back to reveal a compartment in the base of the drawer.

Each leg is inset with six gilt-brass flutes. The legs have gilt-brass feet and are crowned by concave capitals. A pierced gallery runs around the table top.

Bequeathed by John Jones

This small writing table was bequeathed to the Museum in 1882 as part of a large collection of 18th-century French fine and decorative art given by the businessman John Jones. Nothing is known of its history before it was acquired by Mr Jones.

This small writing table is typical of the light, simple design that was fashionable in late 18th-century Parisian interiors. Writing tables such as this were generally used as personal furniture, by both men and women.

This small writing table is typical of the light, simple Neoclassical design that was popular in late 18th-century Paris. The woods used in the marquetry table top, now faded, would originally have been vibrantly coloured.

The table may be by the cabinetmaker Martin Carlin (about 1730-1785), who is known to have used similar legs and marquetry patterns on other pieces of furniture. Another table in the V&A's collection (Museum number 1049-1882), stamped by Carlin, is a larger and more elaborate version of this desk.

1071:1-1882