Secretary and bookcase

Unknown

1795–1810 · Mahogany, satinwood, ebony with white pine, cedar · The American Wing

The combined desk and bookcase, with a fitted secretary drawer, the front of which drops down to provide a writing surface, offered an efficient means of conducting correspondence, managing household accounts, and storing a family’s books. Because they were a symbol of education and literacy, secretary bookcases were sometimes located in public rooms such as parlors or entry halls, where they could be on full display for visitors.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1795–1810

Medium

Mahogany, satinwood, ebony with white pine, cedar

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of the Members of the Committee of the Bertha King Benkard Memorial Fund, 1946