Desk and bookcase

The practice of adding a bookcase above a slant-front desk developed in early-eighteenth-century Britain. Tall, substantial, and imposing, the combined desk and bookcase was designed to look like a small building. This very early American example incorporates many characteristics of the late Baroque style. The architectural form and strong verticality of the piece give it a striking presence, while its narrow proportions, clean lines, and high-quality woods add sophistication and refinement. The surface is enlivened by swirling veneers and inlaid designs in light and dark woods, including bands in a checkerboard pattern and five stars that create the illusion of spinning. The interior is lavishly fitted with stepped, undulating drawers; carved shells; and pigeonhole compartments that held important business and family documents.

The practice of adding a bookcase above a slant-front desk developed in early eighteenth-century Britain as part of the newly popular late Baroque style. Tall, substantial, and imposing, the combined desk and bookcase was designed to look like a small building. The lower desk serves as the slightly wider, horizontally oriented, solid foundation, while the upper section soars to great heights, often featuring arched doors, and capped by a pediment.This elegant desk and bookcase is a very early American example of the new form and successfully incorporates many characteristics of the late Baroque style. The basic architectural form and strong verticality of the Boston-made piece give it a striking presence, while its narrow proportions, clean lines, and high-quality woods lend an aura of sophistication and refinement. The surface is enlivened by swirling, highly figured veneers and an array of inlaid designs in light and dark woods, including bands in a checkerboard pattern and five inlaid stars that create the illusion of spinning. The interior of the piece is lavishly fitted with stepped, undulating drawers, carved shells, and extensive pigeonhole compartments that held important business and family documents. This text was adapted from Ward, et al., MFA Highlights: American Decorative Arts & Sculpture (Boston, 2006) available at www.mfashop.com/mfa-publications.html.