Presented in this lot is a Late 18th Century Louis XV Provincial Sloping Desk. A Louis XV sloping desk, also known as a "donkey back desk", is a type of antique desk characterized by its sloping, curved, or arched back, resembling the shape of a donkey's back. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. This sloping desk secretaire features a drop down writing platform, interior storage area of two sets of three small curved drawers seated on either side of the serpentine carved centre open format slots. A centre hiding place for “secret letters” is hidden under the shelves accessible via a sliding cover. The front face features three small drawers above a larger full width drawer, edges are nicely curved, serpentine carved apron. Decorative escutcheons on front face. Sloping desk stands on slender cabriole legs with brass sabots (one sabot is missing). Wonderful quality and craftsmanship, nice condition consistent with age and use. Measures 18.75"W x 37.25"L x 39.5"H and weighs 73 pounds.