Desk
This desk was originally designed for the Assembly Chamber of the New York State Capitol in Albany. In 1875 the state commissioned Henry Hobson Richardson (1838–1886) and Leopold Eidlitz to re-design the Capitol, transforming it from a Second Empire style edifice to one of medieval character. Eidlitz was influenced by the architect Richard Upjohn (1802–1878), a leader in the mid-century Gothic Revival. This desk, an integral component of the Assembly Room for which Eidlitz had sole responsibility, derives an ecclesiastical Gothic look from the exposed mortise-and-tenon joints on each side, the medallions, and the leather writing surface. An identical desk, also from Eidlitz's Assembly Chamber, is owned by the High Museum in Atlanta. Weller, Brown and Mesmer of Buffalo, New York, manufacturers of this desk, were contracted for the carpentry work and cabinetmaking in the Assembly Chamber in September 1878.
Artwork Details
- Title: Desk
- Designer: Designed by Leopold Eidlitz (1823–1906)
- Manufacturer: Manufactured by Weller, Brown and Mesmer
- Date: 1878
- Geography: Made in Buffalo, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Cherry, brass, leather
- Dimensions: 29 1/16 x 26 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (73.8 x 67.3 x 60.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Friends of the American Wing Fund, 1984
- Object Number: 1984.68
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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