Known as a bonheur du jour, this beautiful Italian ladies desk dates to circa 1890. Bonheur du jour was designed specifically for women, serving as a writing desk and a cabinet to store personal items. Our unique Neoclassical bonheur du jour has seamlessly blended hand-painted sections with découpage elements, which are colored paper cutouts that are applied to the surface.

As is the case with most bonheur du jour, the writing surface is elevated to allow for comfortable seating to be paired with the desk. Four slender, tapering baluster legs provide support and seat clearance for the desk. Each leg is paired with an onion foot beneath two protruding rings, with two larger circles beneath the rectangular joints that frame the lockable belt drawer, whose façade is illustrated with a vibrant mythological scene. Repeating niches surround the illustration, with the pattern being replicated on the side panels that are detailed with red and gold faux marble.

The pull-out writing surface has a similar faux marble, surrounded by a gold border with subtle foliate rinceaux in each corner. When not in use, the writing area rests under the two-door upper cabinet, which has one cream colored shelf behind the doors. Both doors depict distinct Neoclassical stories, including one which shows Perseus after battling Medusa. Découpage figures have been added to the lower corners of the doors, which are flanked by fluted column pilasters. Each side has been adorned with a separate portrait inset within an oval surrounded by egg and dart. The remaining areas of the desk have been painted gold with green infills and more faux marble. After the mid-1700s, owning a bonheur du jour was common, as it was a functional writing desk with elegance. Our painted and decoupage Neoclassical desk would instantly transform a study, den, or hallway.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor nicks and losses. Light age separations. Two functional locks, each with their own key.