<p>
	Until the 17th C desks had a slope top and were only used by scribes.&nbsp; It is in the late 17th C that the first flat top desks, or writing tables, appear.&nbsp; The Mazarin desk is a huge flat top with eight legs.&nbsp; This was followed by smaller desks on four legs. <a href="http://www.antiques-in-france.com/antiquites/-/louis-XV/-/desks">Louis XV desk</a>, the Rococo style desk with frieze drawers and on cabriole legs&nbsp; was popular, followed by the <a href="http://www.antiques-in-france.com/antiquites/-/louis-XVI/-/desks">Louis XVI desk</a> with flat top on straight fluted legs.&nbsp; The flat top desk usually has a leather topped writing surface and pull-out side leaves.</p>