Secretary
John and Joseph W. Meeks
1836–50 · Rosewood, satinwood, poplar, pine, walnut · The American Wing
In the mid-nineteenth century traditional furniture forms were often updated with ornament referencing popular romantic styles. This cylinder-front secretary (or desk and bookcase) is embellished with Gothic Revival motifs such as pointed-arch windows and quatrefoils. Broad expanses of figured rosewood – which replaced mahogany as the preferred wood at the time – complete the decorative statement.
- Artist
- John and Joseph W. Meeks
- Date
- 1836–50
- Medium
- Rosewood, satinwood, poplar, pine, walnut
- Culture
- American
- Department
- The American Wing
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1969
