Desk (Primary Title)
Gonse, "Ambassade" variant (no. 1543NR)
(Model Name)
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, French, 1879 - 1933 (Designer)
Ruhlmann et Laurent, French, 1919 - 1933 (Manufacturer)
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann regularly used Macassar ebony in his furniture production. This desk, a tour de force of cabinetmaking, is unique in its design, craftsmanship, and beauty. The exotic snakeskin on the writing area and the central drawer complements the grain of the ebony on the desktop and drawer fronts.
Marked (each drawer, bottom): Ruhlmann B
Gift of Sydney and Frances Lewis
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
