Writing table

This desk resembles another in a portrait of Napoleon in his study at the Tuileries Palace (National Gallery of Art, Washington). It has a slide-out top with drawers and each leg is carved and gilt with a winged lion. The firm who made it, Jacob Frères, created a number of tables in this style for the emperor, although this one varies slightly to other existing versions. The desk was purchased in 1820 by George IV who certainly believed that it had come from Napoleon's collection.