Irish George II mahogany secretaire cabinet probably by Christopher Hearn, Dublin.

Stock Code: 2004 - SOLD

Description: A superb Irish George II mahogany secretaire kneehole bookcase, probably by Christopher Hearn of Dublin. The superstructure with scrolling broken pediment cresting carved with leaves and surmounted by an eagle, above a pair of panelled doors enclosing adjustable shelves, above two drawers, the leather-lined secretaire-drawer enclosing a fitted interior, above a kneehole with a serpentine drawer and three recessed graduated drawers, flanked by three graduated drawers to either side, on shaped bracket feet.

Further Information: This bureau-dressing-table and cabinet reflects the George II Romano/British fashion promoted by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Corke (d. 1753), who served as George II's Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Roman virtue is evoked by a Roman eagle crowning its triumphal-arched and scalloped temple pediment, whose waved volutes bear roses, sacred to Venus as goddess of Love, and these are sculpted in chivalric gothic fashion. See also Irish Furniture, The Knight of Glin and James Peill, p. 121, pl.163, for a very similar secretaire cabinet with eagle finial, carved roundels and of identical arrangement (however with mirrored doors), attributed to Christopher Hearn, supplied in 1764 to Lady Cobbe for Newbridge House, co Dublin.

Condition: Excvellent. Minor restorations to chipped veneers, waxing, the leather writing surface replaced, brassware believed to be original.

Country of Origin: Ireland

Origin/Age: English, George II, circa 1760

Provenance: Private collection Hampshire by descent to the current owner. Previously purchased from Bennett & Stow, Alresford, 9th May 1979.

Maker: Christopher Hearn, Dublin

Dimensions: Height 96.00 inches (243.84cm) Width 41.00 inches (104.14cm) Depth 24.00 inches (60.96cm)

Price: £44,900