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Secretary

1836–50
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Secretary
  • Maker: John and Joseph W. Meeks (active ca. 1836–59)
  • Date: 1836–50
  • Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Rosewood, satinwood, poplar, pine, walnut
  • Dimensions: 91 3/4 x 52 3/8 x 23 1/4 in. (233 x 133 x 59.1 cm)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1969
  • Object Number: 69.19a–j
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
Armchair, John and Joseph W. Meeks American, Mahogany, American
Armchair
John and Joseph W. Meeks
ca. 1850
Architectural woodwork and paneling, George A. Schastey & Co. American, Satinwood, purpleheart, mother-of-pearl, silver-plated brass, mirrored glass, marble, and reproduction upholstery, American
Architectural woodwork and paneling
George A. Schastey & Co.
George A. Schastey
1881–82
Secretary, Pine carcase, veneered with satinwood, sycamore and rosewood; mahogany drawer linings; gilt-bronze mounts, British or Irish
Secretary
British or Irish
ca. 1800–1820
The Bryant Vase, Tiffany & Co. American, Silver and gold, American
The Bryant Vase
Multiple artists/makers
1876
Secretary and bookcase, Mahogany, satinwood, ebony with white pine, cedar, American
Secretary and bookcase
American
1795–1810

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