American Art Cylinder Desk and Bookcase Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America1795-1805 Artist/maker unknown, American Mahogany with mahogany, satinwood, and maple veneers; light and dark wood stringing; white pine, yellow poplar, brass, glass, ivory * Gallery 107, American Art, first floor 2004-81-1 Purchased with the Fiske Kimball Fund and the John T. Morris Fund, 2004 |
LabelThe design of this commodious desk and bookcase is based directly on plate 39 of Thomas Sheraton's The Cabinet Dictionary (London, 1803), where he says, "I took the idea of it from one I have seen executed." It is made in separate parts: pediment, bookcase, desk, and cabinet. The turned ball-and-spade-shaped feet, taken literally from Sheraton's design, are highly unusual on American case pieces and represent the art of specialist turners working in Philadelphia in the early years of the republic.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
