Description

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CHIPPENDALE SECRETARY-DESK
Massachusetts / Connecticut River Valley
Circa 1780 – 1800

This secretary’s interesting provincial character incorporates several elements based on high style Chippendale Design, with its use of cherry rather than mahogany and combining high style construction elements. The Secretary-Desk is nicely proportioned and skillfully enhanced by the use of simple modest lightwood inlays. A dental molding defines the cornice over shaped paneled doors which enclose shelves. The desk interior is nicely developed. Four graduated serpentine drawer fronts are solid with a sweeping bold serpentine curve accentuated by sharply pointed corners. With a conforming serpentine curve all is lifted on four boldly sculptured claw and ball feet.

During the last quarter of the 18th Century, individual cabinetmakers became more transient and with them specific cabinet shop traditions were becoming homogized.  It’s difficult to use only the idiosyncratic cabinet shop traditions for specific regional orgin, as the transit cabinetmakers continued to combine the techiques from their departed shops and absorption from the cabinet styles that had defused.

It is difficult to know where to attribute this Fine Chippendale Secretary-Desk. In some ways it reminds one of Connecticut River Valley cabinetwork, as well as, other regional areas. The Secretary-Desk is an adaptation of a sophisticated urban form by a skilled country joiner. His understanding of scale, proportion and use of inlays results in a successful composition that is very eye-appealing. This Secretary is a classic expression of Quality Rural Cabinetry.

Inventory: FU-C-3384

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