Writing table
Maker
Joseph Baumhauer
(French, died 1772)
Additional Title(s)
- Bureau Plat
- Library Table
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Dateca. 1765 with mid 19th Century alterations
Mediumoak and fir or pine carcase veneered with tulipwood; porcelain plaques; gilt-bronze mounts; iron and brass hardware; modern leather top
Dimensions32 5/8 x 63 3/4 x 32 in. (82.9 x 161.9 x 81.3 cm.)
SignedSignature stamped on both the right and left sides of the underside of the removable top: 'JOSEPH' with a fleur de lys at either end. Plaques: TEXT seven of the eleven porcelain plaques removed in the 1974 conservation were signed on the reverse in black ink 'Max'.
MarkingsMarks on the woodwork:
Stamped on both the right and left sides of the underside of the top: JOSEPH, with a fleur-de-lys at either end.
A typewritten paper label inside the proper left drawer: "27764 / An old French 18th century. Writing / Table. Inlaid with 28 old Sevres Plaques / decorated with flowers on white ground / and turquoise blue borders. Finely / chased ormolu mounts. Signed "Joseph."/ Louis XV period (1714-1774)."
Duveen label: 27764.
Marks on the twenty-eight porcelain plaques:
Seven of the eleven plaques removed for examination were signed on the reverse in black ink: Max.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.
Status
On viewObject number27.137
Bernard Molitor
secretary: 1812-1816; plaques: center:1783, left:1774, right:1777
Object number: 27.22
