Description: C. 1695, William and Mary Museum Quality Antique Bureau Cabinet   The uniquely designed marquetry and simplicity of this elegant secretary result in a truly remarkable and rare William and Mary piece of writing furniture. Circa 1695. 37 3/4” wide x 24 3/4” deep x 87 1/4” high.   Elaborate marquetry envelopes this large William and Mary bureau cabinet from 1695. When the Dutch William III and his wife Mary II overthrew King James II in the 1688 Glorious Revolution, their victory signaled not only the end to the tensions that existed between the British Crown and Parliament, but also the beginning of a new era of decorative arts. William’s Protestant beliefs opened the door for Dutch, Flemish and French craftsmen to settle in England. These gifted artisans began to work with local cabinetmakers to incorporate their techniques and decorative forms to create a distinctive style of furniture known as William and Mary.   Though the reign of William and Mary lasted only 13 years from 1689-1702, the furnishings created during this period are unlike any before or since. Characterized by the use of rare woods, dramatic veneers and inlays, and bold carved elements, William and Mary furnishings represented a more refined way of living, replacing cumbersome, over-the-top pieces of furniture from the previous decades. The reign of Queen Mary and her Dutch husband King William III led to an influx of important furniture forms, as simplistic designs gave way to innovative ideas including exotic veneers and inlay decoration. This magnificent, late 17th-century bureau cabinet, elaborately inlaid with ivory and marquetry, certainly satisfied the English burgeoning taste for ornamental furniture. William III imported Dutch craftsmen to England who worked with local cabinetmakers, resulting in more elegantly styled pieces like this bureau cabinet. The walnut bureau encloses a fitted interior with a writing surface topped by a mirrored cabinet. As the 17th century came to a close, secretaries, writing bureaus and bookcases became increasingly popular, an imperative piece in the homes of the wealthy and well-educated. Bureau-cabinets like this became the focal point of the manor, serving as statements of wealth, culture and education.    House of Craven Auction Gallery: Please consider downloading our free mobile app available on iOS and Android: House of Craven.   Have a similar item to sell? Contact us about consignment opportunities for House of Craven’s future auctions or private sales by emailing us: craven@houseofcraven.com or Call | Text | WhatsApp | 305.769.8088.   Shipping: House of Craven Auction Gallery does not offer in-house shipping for this item. House of Craven will refer third-party shippers for all domestic and international buyers. Purchasers can schedule pick up at the West Palm Beach, Florida Auction Warehouse. Appointments are available upon request by emailing: craven@houseofcraven.com. Condition: Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a Lot, all Lots are offered and sold "As Is, Where Is," in accordance with our Conditions of Sale. All Auction Lots are available for a FaceTime viewing, by appointment, with one of our Team Members on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, or Wednesday, October 23, 2024. To schedule a FaceTime appointment, please email us: craven@houseofcraven.com.