The "Desk of the King" took nine years of work for the cabinetmakers of Louis XV, its rich inlays, secret drawers and innovative design making it one of the many masterpieces of 18th century French furniture.

Now, this and other treasures of furniture design from 1650 through 1790, corresponding to the reigns of Louis XIV through Louis XVI, are on display at Versailles in a noteworthy show, The 18th Century at the Source of Design.

From the bulky, straight-backed chairs resembling thrones from the early part of the century to the sinuous curves that characterized the tastes under Louis XV, the exposition is a "best of" the century in which virtuosity, imagination and innovation characterized new furniture design.