Secretary and bookcase

Date1805-1815

Attributed to Thomas Seymour (1771 - 1848)

MediumMahogany with mahogany and curly maple veneer, white pine, and cherry

DimensionsOH: 74 1/4"; OW: 37 1/2"; OD: 21 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1971-374

DescriptionAppearance: Secretary and bookcase in two sections: upper section has flat top with applied cornice at front; the cornice is shallow and straight across except at center where it rises up in a semi-circular projection. The front of this center section is inlaid with an oval of lightwood and bordered by a semi-circular molding terminating in small wood knobs at either side, cornice is topped by three wood urn-shaped finials. Below crest the top of the upper section has a molded cornice, the sides are straight and plain. The front is composed of two doors, each door with two glazed panels with Gothic arch tops separated by reeded columns. The lower portion of each glass panel is painted in reverse with leaves and gothic arches in black and gold. Below these panels are rectangular mahogany veneered panels separated at the base of each column by rectangular maple veneered panels. The interior of the upper section is composed of two shelves, the upper one of which is adjustable. Below the lower shelf is a row of seven pigeonholes with arched brackets at top, below which are three small drawers, the right-hand one fitted with compartments. Lower section of desk has a flat recessed top at rear surrounded by a molded edge on front and sides to accommodate upper section; front half of lower section is slanted toward front with a lid which opens on two brass bound hinges which reveal a baized cupboard interior. The lid is supported when open on two rectangular slides faced with mahogany, each with a single brass knob. The sides of the lower section are plain, the front composed of three full-length graduated drawers which are surrounded by a double bead molding; between each is a band of lightwood veneer; each drawer has two central brass bound keyhole escutcheons. The drawers are flanked on each side by a series of vertical flutes; applied double bead molding above four slightly bulbous tapering legs terminating in peg feet. The upper section of each leg is faced with a series of circular rings on the outside edges and bordered by C scrolled brackets, the center section of each leg is fluted.

Woods: The oval patera on the face of the pediment, the tympanums between the arches of the doors, and the elongated bases beneath each column are veneered with curly maple. The fronts of the drawers in the section are veneered on white pine. The interior of the upper section is composed of two shelves made of white pine and faced with mahogany.

Label TextThe secretary and bookcase form appeared in America at the end of the eighteenth century as adaptations of English designs for lady's cabinets and writing tables. The form typified the early classical style with its straight lines, use of contrasting colored inlays and veneers, and urn-shaped finials. A number of craftsmen probably participated in making this piece. Cabinetmaker Thomas Seymour of Boston subcontracted gilded glass panels, like those on this bookcase, to decorative painters and gilders who rented space in his Furniture Warehouse. Turned legs, inlaid geometric stringing, and reverse painted and gilded glass panels could be obtained from urban artisans who specialized in producing those elements.
MarkingsSticker on rear of right finial block reads: "M.../39617/Mrs. Lovell (?)"

Exhibition(s)