ATTRIBUTED TO THE SHOP OF BANKSON AND LAWSON (W. 1785-1792), BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 1785-1792

With intricate inlay, superbly figured mahogany and a tripartite design, this secrétaire à abattant is attributed to the cabinetmakers Bankson and Lawson of Baltimore, Maryland. John Bankson (fl. 1783-1788) was well connected regionally and Richard Lawson (fl. 1785-1793) had a background in an accomplished circle of cabinetmakers in London. Their combination of a vast network and skilled abilities guaranteed the success of the duo. The most influential and wealthy residents of Baltimore chose to furnish their homes with the work of Bankson and Lawson. A secrétaire à abattant in a private collection is attributed to the cabinetmaking duo and features similar usage of pictorial inlay, vigorously figured mahogany, a wood top and tertiary segmented design (Sumpter Priddy III, J. Michael Flanigan, and Gregory R. Weidman, "The Genesis of Neoclassical Style in Baltimore Furniture," American Furniture 2000, Luke Beckerdite, ed. (Milwaukee, 2000), pp. 70-75, 90, figs. 49, 50).