Design for a Bookcase with Writing Desk

Anonymous, Italian, 16th century

ca. 1550–70 · Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over leadpoint · Drawings and Prints

This design combines a case for book storage with a writing desk and is therefore essentially a precursor to the secretary desk which would emerge in the 17th century. Since not many bookcases from before 1600 survive, this drawing is highly informative. Half of it has been filled with books and it shows how the different compartments were used for books of various sizes. The inscriptions below the desk mention ‘casette a tirare’ which indicates that the design also incorporated three drawers: an element that would not become common in furniture until the early 17th century.

Artist

Anonymous, Italian, 16th century

Date

ca. 1550–70

Medium

Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over leadpoint

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1952