There is usually a gradual change in furniture styles; sometimes changes are gradual and subtle. The Maltese 17th Century slope front table-type bureau, below left, does not have a clear transition to the half bureau prized and popular in the 18th century. It is clearly a progressive modification from the full bureau.

Late 17th / Early 18th C. Maltese desks

Late 17th / Early 18th C. Maltese desks

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Above: A dark veneer olive wood bureau ca 1750

An unusual olivewood, linear inlay, chest with escritoire drawer ca 1730

Above: A walnut bureau, ca 1790

A late 18th C. parquetry inlaid bureau ca 1790

Above: A walnut bureau, ca 1790

A late 18th C. parquetry inlaid bureau ca 1790