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Desk

About 1710–20
Object Place: New England, United States

Medium/Technique Walnut veneer on pine
Dimensions Overall: 98.4 x 85.7 x 49.8 cm (38 3/4 x 33 3/4 x 19 5/8 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler
Accession Number32.248
CollectionsAmericas
George Jaffrey's 1749 inventory lists among the "Household Furniture In the Parlour" an "Escrutore," valued at £30-the highest value of any item in the parlor. An escritoir (or desk) often had a fall-front lid and contained compartments for documents and writing implements. This new furniture form was popular among New England merchants and businessmen as a place to conduct business and to store important papers.

Catalogue Raisonné Randall 55