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Desk and bookcase
J. & J. W. Meeks (American, active 1836–1859)
about 1836–55
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Rosewood, satinwood (interior), pine (secondary wood), and velvet-covered writing surface.
Dimensions
Overall (approximate): 233.7 x 132.1 x 61 cm, 156.49 kg (92 x 52 x 24 in., 345 lb.)
Credit Line
Henry H. and Zoe Oliver Sherman Fund
Accession Number2009.2526
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
Gothic traceries on the glass doors and lower cabinet doors enliven the otherwise restrained classical form of this monumental desk and bookcase. Labeled by J. & J. W. Meeks, one New York's most prolific furniture-making firms of the mid-nineteenth century, the fine materials and workmanship of this piece place it in the top tier of the firm's production.
DescriptionDesk and bookcase comes apart in two pieces. Also contains two removable shelves, one key.
Signed
Signed (with stencil, on the inside of an interior drawer): J. & J.W. Meeks / MAKERS / No.14 Vesey St. / NEW YORK
Inscriptions"Mr. T. Lockwood Perry" on top of lower case
Provenanceearly history unknown, although possibly owned by Mr. T. Lockwood Perry, whose name appears on the desk; collection of David Marshall, Brooklyn, New York; 2009, sold by Marshall to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)