A 19th Century French Directoire Three-Drawer Figured Mahogany Writing Desk

The gilt tooled leather lined and brass edged top above a frieze with three brass edged drawers supported by tapering legs ending in brass sabots. 30.5 in.H x 42 in.W x 24 in.D.

Directoire style is a lovely, simplified stop along the evolution of neoclassical furniture. Sandwiched between the iconic Louis XVI and French Empire styles, Directoire style reflects a pivotal time in French history through a general paring-down of the pieces created. Classical architecture and styles continue to come across in Directoire furniture design, carrying over from Louis XVI, but with greater simplicity and cleaner lines. And it sets the stage well for the very elaborate Empire style that followed shortly thereafter.