Advanced Search 
Secretary-bookcase
Attributed to: Thomas Seymour (American (born in England), 1771–1848)
and Possibly: John Seymour (American (born in England), 1738–1818)
and Possibly: John Seymour (American (born in England), 1738–1818)
1806–10
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Medium/Technique
Mahogany, bird's-eye maple, eastern white pine, ash, and brass
Dimensions
216.22 x 93.98 x 51.75 cm (85 1/8 x 37 x 20 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
The M. and M. Karolik Collection of Eighteenth-Century American Arts
Accession Number39.157
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
The Seymour preference for contrasting passages of light and dark woods is expressed here to great effect through the use of curly maple and mahogany veneers. According to family history, this secretary-bookcase descended from John Amory, Jr., whose portrait by Gilbert Stuart is on view nearby. Thomas Seymour rented space from Amory for his Boston Furniture Warehouse, and it is likely that he made several pieces for his landlord.
Catalogue Raisonné
Eighteenth-century American Arts No. 23
Inscriptions"Cambridgeport Boston" in pencil on the right letter-drawer side
"X1" and "X2" are in pencil on the top surfaces of the drawers sides
"X1" and "X2" are in pencil on the top surfaces of the drawers sides
ProvenanceInherited by Mrs. Karolik from her great-grandfather, John Amory, Jr., of Boston.