Walnut desk by P. Soulet, 1896

Spectacular richly carved walnut desk. It features a central niche painted with a romantic scene, framed by a tiered opening with two drawers highlighted by seated cherubs, a bouquet of flowers, foliage, and shells on a trellis background. The openwork belt decorated with garlands of flowers opens to reveal two drawers. The four curved legs are carved with female busts and linked by a trellis-patterned crossbar centered with two nymphs. Signed and dated P. Soulet 1896.