The type of desk that is called a Scriban is in reality a piece of furniture of 17th century Dutch origin. It is heightened by a part surmounted by a cornice that serves as an armoire or, more often, bookshelves. By extension, we call a slanted desk or writing desk surmounted by a row of drawers or doors a Scriban.
The first model, in solid walnut and from the Louis XV period, is curved along three sides with a protruding moulding separating the desk part from the cabinet part. We could also talk about it as a cabinet desk.
The second model, in solid cherry wood and also from the Louis XV period, has a slightly curved façade but the sides are straight, which results in a certain rigidity, especially because the proportions are a bit different.
The light-coloured wood (sycamore) inlays of the veneer, centered on the flap and the apron of the lower crosspiece, are there to round off this rigidity.
The restoration of these two desks of different woods was characterized by grafts fundamental to solid wood, retightening of the back panels, revisiting the inner tiers and putting back in place the flap and it’s leather.
The patina and the finish are the important points that highlight all the rehabilitation work.
