Desk

German-style bureau-type writing desk. It consists of two sections finished off with mouldings and fitted with a lock. There is a drawer between the two sections. The upper part has a fold-down lid and three inner compartments; the lower part has a door at the front and a shelf inside. The entire piece is supported on spherical legs.

The plentiful small drawers were used to keep documents and other items of economic or personal value. Note the rich colours, particularly the red background. There are panels with allegorical Biblical scenes and floral motifs across the entire surface, as well as female figures on either side of the desk. The interiors are painted in blue. The elaborate decoration shows that it was intended to be more than just a functional piece.

This piece, like the rest of the collection from the Miramar Palace, belongs to the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa.

Bibliography:

Sagüés Subijana, Miguel. Historia del palacio de Miramar. In: Boletín de Estudios Históricos sobre San Sebastián. 28, 1994. 255-300.

Inventory number: GFA-009870-001