Lot Essay
With its architectonic appearance, use of contrasting veneers, and construction techniques, this fall front secretary is one of six related examples made in Philadelphia. Linked to an as yet unidentifed Philadelphia cabinet shop, the maker of this secretary was consistent in his overall design and selection of materials. This piece, along with an example in the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art, is illustrated and discussed in Charles L. Venable American Furniture in the Bybee Collection (Austin, 1989) pp. 100-103.
Other related examples include a secretaire a abattant sold in these Rooms, June 2, 1983, lot 189, and illustrated and discussed in J. Michael Flanigan American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection (New York, 1986), p. 222, fig. 91; An additional example sold in these Rooms May 25, 1985, lot 183; and Sotheby's New York, January 27, 1989, lot 1478, and sold in these Rooms January 23, 1993, lot 546.
Other related examples include a secretaire a abattant sold in these Rooms, June 2, 1983, lot 189, and illustrated and discussed in J. Michael Flanigan American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection (New York, 1986), p. 222, fig. 91; An additional example sold in these Rooms May 25, 1985, lot 183; and Sotheby's New York, January 27, 1989, lot 1478, and sold in these Rooms January 23, 1993, lot 546.