Lot Essay
With its elegant proportions, geometric mullioned glazed doors and exuberantly veneered case, this secretary bookcase exemplifies the early Federal style. The measured linear form and emphasis on veneer were a departure from the fluid curves, asymmetrical lines and ornate carving which was the hallmark of pre-revolutionary America. Decoration in carving has yielded to decoration in veneer and inlay, as shown here. This change in fashion corresponded with the American revolution, yet made us no less dependent upon England for inspiration in design.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this secretary is its inlaid columns. This motif was employed in North Shore, Boston and in Concord area of New Hampshire. This motif is also seen in carving as well as inlay, it appears on Newburyport shelf clocks made by Daniel Balch, Jr. (1761-1835) as well as others made by David Wood (working c. 1790), on the cupboard door carved in relief. A labeled secretary desk of George W. Rogers of Concord also decorated with inlaid column is illustrated New Hampshire Historical Society, Plain & Elegant, Rich & Common: Documented New Hampshire Furniture, 1750-1850 (Concord, New Hampshire, 1979) pp. 58-59, fig. 19. Rogers migrated from Newburyport to Concord, perhaps carrying with him this design element of the inlaid broken pilaster. Two candlestands also associated with Concord, New Hampshire are illustrated in an advertisement for Leigh Keno, Inc. in the Magazine Antiques (January, 1995), vol. CXLVII, no. 1, p. 22. Another secretary bookcase with broken column inlay sold in these Rooms, Saturday, January 23, 1988, sale 6536, lot 353. This motif, in a slimmer fashion, and occasionally supplemented by alternating bands of ebony was widely employed by John and Thomas Seymour of Boston, for two secretaries with varying simulated pilasters, see Vernon C. Stoneman, John and Thomas Seymour, Cabinet Makers in Boston, 1794-1816 (Boston, 1959) pp. 140-143, figs. 68 and 70.
This piece is branded I.S., a mark used by Israel Sack between 1929 and 1931.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this secretary is its inlaid columns. This motif was employed in North Shore, Boston and in Concord area of New Hampshire. This motif is also seen in carving as well as inlay, it appears on Newburyport shelf clocks made by Daniel Balch, Jr. (1761-1835) as well as others made by David Wood (working c. 1790), on the cupboard door carved in relief. A labeled secretary desk of George W. Rogers of Concord also decorated with inlaid column is illustrated New Hampshire Historical Society, Plain & Elegant, Rich & Common: Documented New Hampshire Furniture, 1750-1850 (Concord, New Hampshire, 1979) pp. 58-59, fig. 19. Rogers migrated from Newburyport to Concord, perhaps carrying with him this design element of the inlaid broken pilaster. Two candlestands also associated with Concord, New Hampshire are illustrated in an advertisement for Leigh Keno, Inc. in the Magazine Antiques (January, 1995), vol. CXLVII, no. 1, p. 22. Another secretary bookcase with broken column inlay sold in these Rooms, Saturday, January 23, 1988, sale 6536, lot 353. This motif, in a slimmer fashion, and occasionally supplemented by alternating bands of ebony was widely employed by John and Thomas Seymour of Boston, for two secretaries with varying simulated pilasters, see Vernon C. Stoneman, John and Thomas Seymour, Cabinet Makers in Boston, 1794-1816 (Boston, 1959) pp. 140-143, figs. 68 and 70.
This piece is branded I.S., a mark used by Israel Sack between 1929 and 1931.