Secrétaire

This secrétaire, probably made for a library, opens out for use in an unusual way. After inserting and winding a lever, the center front portion of this sécretaire rises from vertical to horizontal. It unfolds to form a wide, deep surface large enough to hold an open folio volume. In addition to this feature, this object has a lower and shallower form than other secrétaires, indicating that it may have been made for a specific location.The secrétaire's drawers are also equipped with clever locking mechanisms. The eight drawers above the rising front--two in the frieze and six small drawers below--all lock with only two keys. Interior bolts fasten the four drawers at each side of the secrétaire and are released when the uppermost drawer is unlocked and opened.Jean-François Leleu, who built this secrétaire, was known for his mechanical systems, following in the footsteps of his master Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). Both master and student used ingenious but simple mechanisms to unlock and open their furniture’s drawers and compartments.