Writing desk

Maker Martin Carlin (French, ca. 1739 - 1785)

Maker Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory (French, active from 1756 to the present)

Maker Guillaume Noël (French, active 1755 - 1804)

Additional Title(s)

Bonheur-du-jour

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1770

Mediumoak carcase, veneered with tulipwood, sycamore, and amaranth; soft-paste porcelain plaques; gilt-brass mounts and writing accessories; glass inkwell; velvet writing surface; silk and gold brocade drawer linings.

Dimensions31 3/4 x 26 1/4 x 15 3/4 in. (80.6 x 66.7 x 40 cm.)

DescriptionThe main drawers contain fittings for ink and sand, with main compartments fitted with hinged writing surface. The velvet, gallon, and glass inkwell (an especially rare survival) of this desk appear to be original. The box for sand is missing. The center desk-top plaque has a small flower cascade on the lower right.

SignedThe bottom of right rail is stamped: M. CARLIN and JME. The interior of the carcase is inscribed in black ink: POIRIER. The back of proper right upper tier drawer is inscribed in black ink: Poirier M.d. Of the seveteen soft-paste porcelain plaques, twelve were removed for examination. All are painted on their backs in blue enamel with the crossed L's of the Sèvres manufactory enclosing the date letter Q for 1769. Three of the large plaques with shaped corners also bear the mark of Pierre le jeune, a P'. The three other plaques with shaped corners bear the mark of Noël, ___. The small shaped plaques bear the mark of Levé, an L. Three of the small rectangular plaques bear the mark of Joffroy, a p in script. All the plaques, with the exception of the four large shaped plaques are marked in blue enamel with the letter "D", which may be for directional purposes. A paper French customs label, from the Gare St. Lazare, Paris, inked with a name, M. Jenthon or M. Jenson. Duveen label: 28126.

InscribedBeneath the desk: a French customs label with an unreadable date. A handwritten label, "JENTHON" or "JENSON."

MarkingsInscribed in black ink in the interior of the carcase, where the middle top drawer is placed: 'POIRIER'. Plaques: The Sevres date letter 'Q' for 1769 appears on 12 of the 17 plaques of the table. All the plaques, with the exception of the four large shaped plaques are marked in blue with the letter 'D', which may be for directional purposes. The name Poirier also appears on one of the plaques.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Label TextMartin Carlin, who emigrated from Germany to Paris, was one of the pre-eminent furniture makers of the second half of the 18th century. These small writing desks were supplied by the dealer Poirier, for whom Martin Carlin seems to have worked almost exclusively. Through Poirier, his furniture was sold to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Madame du Barry and many members of the court. The main drawers of these desks contain fittings for ink and sand, with main compartments fitted with hinged writing surfaces.

Status

On view

Object number27.121