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Gentleman’s secretary

Attributed to Nehemiah Adams American
1800–1810
Not on view
One of only about a dozen known examples attributed to Nehemiah Adams, this piece shows great unity of design, achieved through the rhythmic use of ellipses—a favorite Neoclassical shape—in the panels of the cabinet base. The ellipses are echoed in the muntins (the strips dividing the individual panes of glass) of the glazed upper bookcase doors. The form of this gentleman's secretary-and-bookcase is derived from plate 52 of Thomas Sheraton's "The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book" (London, 1793).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Gentleman’s secretary
  • Maker: Attributed to Nehemiah Adams (1769–1840)
  • Date: 1800–1810
  • Geography: Made in Salem, Massachusetts, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Mahogany, mahogany veneer, satinwood with white pine
  • Dimensions: 96 x 68 x 18 in. (243.8 x 172.7 x 45.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, Bequest of Ethel Yocum, Bequest of Charlotte E. Hoadley, and Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1971
  • Object Number: 1971.9
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

Audio

Cover Image for 3845. Gentleman's secretary

3845. Gentleman's secretary

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