BACK OF LOWER CASE SIGNED 'S.J. NESBIT/NEW YORK', 1790-1810

Details

A FEDERAL INLAID MAHOGANY DESK AND BOOKCASE
Back of lower case signed 'S.J. Nesbit/New York', 1790-1810
The shaped cornice with line-inlay above a cove-molded frieze over two glazed doors, the lower case with one long drawer fitted as a butler's desk above two cabinet doors with oval inlaid panels on French feet, now electrified
The back of the lower case signed S.J. Nesbit/New York
95 in. (241.5 cm) high, 43 in. (109 cm) wide, 22 in. (56 cm) deep

Provenance

Acquired through David Anthony Easton, New York.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

With boldly figured mahogany veneers and imposing proportions, this desk-and-bookcase is a very fine example of high-style Federal furniture made in one of the cabinetmaking centers of America. The large surface of the fall-front presented the cabinetmaker with an idea place for decorative veneers, realized here in large horizontal ovals set against large diamond-inlaid fields.

The identity of "S.J. Nesbit" is not immediately clear: a James Nesbit was working as a chairmaker and cabinetmaker in New York from 1799-1816 and possibly later. Conversely, it could also refer to the owner of this magnificent desk and bookcase.

More from THE JOHN W. KLUGE MORVEN COLLECTION

View All