Which term describes a cylinder-plan desk with ormolu in Rococo interiors?

Which term describes a cylinder-plan desk with ormolu in Rococo interiors?

• A. Bureau
• B. Console
• C. Armoire
• D. Commode

Answer: (A)

A cylinder-plan desk is a writing desk, and in 18th‑century French design the term for that piece is a bureau. The “cylinder” describes the curved, cylindrical front or lid of the desk, and in Rococo interiors these desks were often adorned with ormolu—the gilded bronze mounts and decorations typical of the style. So the name bureau identifies both the desk’s function and its cylindrical form, with ormolu signaling its Rococo luxury. The other furniture types refer to different pieces: a console is a wall‑mounted or free‑standing decorative table, an armoire is a tall storage cabinet, and a commode is a low chest or dresser. None denote a desk, especially not the cylinder‑front desk described here.

A cylinder-plan desk is a writing desk, and in 18th‑century French design the term for that piece is a bureau. The “cylinder” describes the curved, cylindrical front or lid of the desk, and in Rococo interiors these desks were often adorned with ormolu—the gilded bronze mounts and decorations typical of the style. So the name bureau identifies both the desk’s function and its cylindrical form, with ormolu signaling its Rococo luxury.

The other furniture types refer to different pieces: a console is a wall‑mounted or free‑standing decorative table, an armoire is a tall storage cabinet, and a commode is a low chest or dresser. None denote a desk, especially not the cylinder‑front desk described here.