DROP-FRONT SECRETARY (SECRETAIRE À ABBATANT)

Creator(s): Mathias Wolff (Attributed to)

On view in: Second Floor Hallway

About this object

The secretary has a drawer at the top faced with a design found also at the top of the sides -with ovals containing quatrefoils, alternating with acanthus leaves; in the center of the drawer is a round enclosing a scene of an interior with an amorous couple. The drop-front has a large medallion with a scene of ruined colonnades, a laden donkey, and a laden cart pulled by a donkey being beaten by a man. The scene is framed by a medallion topped by a wavy plaid ribbon, all sorrounded by a trellis formed by bands of rolled ribbons enclosing single tulips; this pattern is repeated on the double doors of the lower portion; on each door is a roundel containing a single seated female figure. The edges of the secretary are canted and covered with marquetry quatrefoils in ovals. The sides have each two panels framed by rolled ribbons, and each containing a different triumph suspended from a ribbon. Plain band of gilt bronze at the top and bottom, and triglyphs at the top of the corners, and squares on the feet. The top section drops and exposes an interior with two rows of three drawers. At the bottom a pair of doors conceal four drawers inside.

Object name:

DROP-FRONT SECRETARY (SECRETAIRE À ABBATANT)

Made from:

Wood marquetry -- gilt bronze -- ivory -- mother of pearl

Made in:

Paris, France

Date made:

c. 1775

Size:

57 × 40 × 16 in. (144.8 × 101.6 × 40.6 cm)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

31.7

Class:

FURNITURE

Signature marks:

PLAQUE "P.P" [Under the lower apron an oval metal plaque]

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973