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Thomas Seymour

Lady's writing desk
Now On View

Maker

Attributed to Thomas Seymour (American, 1771-1848)
Attributed to John Seymour (American, ca.1738-ca.1818), cabinetmaker

Culture

American

Title

Lady's writing desk

Year

ca. 1795-1800

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

brass (alloy), pine, ivory, mahogany veneer, mahogany, enamel

Geography

Place Made: United States of America

Dimensions

109.9 x 94.6 x 48.3 cm (43 1/4 x 37 1/4 x 19 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Estate of Martha B. Lisle, by exchange

Object Number

71.075

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

18th and 19th-Century American Galleries
Jun 19, 2015
Charles Pendleton House
Jan 02, 2015
Making It In America
Oct 11, 2013 – Feb 09, 2014

Label copy

Made in Boston, this lady’s writing desk includes highly popularized French design elements, such as tamboured doors, elegant proportions, and slender tapered legs, and reflects the influence of the French Neoclassical style on late 18th-century and early 19th-century design, known in America as the Federal style. Federal furniture is characterized by intricate inlays, a skill at which New England cabinetmakers excelled. The drawer fronts are framed by thin strips of inlaid light wood, a technique known as stringing, while the legs and stiles are inlaid with cascading bellflowers. Further embellishments include the precisely formed ivory keyhole escutcheons and the royal blue and white enameled brass handles.

Focus on Form
American Furniture from the Museum's Collection
Apr 01, 1998 – May 21, 2000

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Attributed to Thomas Seymour (American, 1771-1848)
Attributed to John Seymour (American, ca.1738-ca.1818), cabinetmaker
Lady's writing desk, ca. 1795-1800
Mahogany, pine, light and dark wood inlays, ivory, brass and enamel hardware
109.9 x 94.6 x 48.3 cm (43 1/4 x 37 1/4 x 19 inches)
Estate of Martha B. Lisle, by exchange 71.075

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