Elévation et Profil d'un Secrétaire en Tombeau

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Richard de Lalonde's *Élévation et Profil d Secrétaire en Tombeau created between 1775 and1788, is a print depicting the front elevation and side profile a neoclassical writing desk. The "secrétaire en tombe"—named for its tomb-like pedestal base—was a sophisticated furniture form emblematic of late 18th-century French elegance. As a designer active from 1780 to 1796, Lalonde specialized in such architectural illustrations, which guided artisans in crafting luxury pieces blending symmetry, clean lines, and subtle classical ornamentation. This work captures the shift from the ornate Rococo style to the restrained Neoclassicism of the Louis XVI era, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of order and proportion. Prints like this were essential tools for disseminating high-style designs across workshops in France and beyond, influencing cabinetmaking during a time of royal patronage and emerging bourgeois taste. Acquired for the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council's purchase, it resides in the Smithsonian Collection, offering visitors a window into transatlantic design exchanges. Though research continues, its presence underscores the print medium's role in preserving and propagating the artistry of Revolutionary-era France.