Writing Table

Maker Bernard Molitor (French, 1755-1833)

Additional Title(s)

table à écrire

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca.1788-1796

Mediumoak and mahogany carcase veneered with marquetry of satinwood, purplewood, holly, and stained sycamore, tulipwood edge banding, and boxwood and ebony stringing; drawer sides veneered with bois satiné; gilt and ungilt bronze mounts and lining; bronze-colored sliding mechanism; leather writing surface.

Dimensions27 11/16 x 31 7/8 x 17 in. (70.3 x 81 x 43.2 cm.)

DescriptionThe drawer of this table is fitted with a writing or reading panel.

SignedStamped twice on the bottom of the proper left rail of the table: MOLITOR. Stamped once on the bottom board at the proper left front corner: B·MOLITOR.

MarkingsMark stamped twice (?) on the bottom edge of the right side of the table: '.MOLITOR'. (The places chosen for the stamps are not big enough to allow the full stamp 'B. MOLITOR', but the portion that exists corresponds exactly with the accepted stamp of the master.)

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextMolitor based the decorative scheme of this desk’s marquetry on Japanese sources. The large marine shell partly revealed by a half-opened box in the central inlay is based on representations of Japanese boxes where the half-opened lid is a typical feature. Small, delicate desks like this were typically made for the use of women, who were beginning to engage in new forms of writing, such as the composition of memoires and letters, in the 18th century.

Status

On view

Object number16.12