Lot Essay
This slant-front desk holds the distinction of being among the half dozen or so known examples of block-and-shell slant-lid desks made in Newport, Rhode Island in the middle of the eighteenth century. The
first documented example of this sophisticated block-and-shell motif is linked to the talented master craftsman, John Townsend in 1756. The stylish quality of the design and conspicuous expense induced in producing such finely constructed and decorative masterpieces endeared block-and-shell case pieces to the wealthy Newport clientelle. A recognized emblem of power and success, this distinctive regional form was produced by skilled cabinetmakers for several decades, although the number of surviving examples pales in comparision to block-front case pieces produced in Massachusetts.
The double volute at the base of the applied shells on the slant lid of this desk is related to the fleur-de-lis carved shells on early case pieces documented to John Townsennd and Benjamin Baker (see Clement E. Conger and Alexandra W. Rollins, Treasures of State (New York, 1991), pp. 44-45, fig. 45; Michael Moses, aster Craftsmen of Newport, The Townsends and Goddards, (Tenafly, New Jersey, 1984), pp. 177, 192, figs. 3.99, 3.10). The block-and-shell carved desk interior complements the gentle curves of the carved lid and the case front, and is characteristic of Newport furniture. The case rests on simply shaped ogee-bracket feet. The form of the feet relate to case pieces authenticated to John Townsend, as well as to other Newport craftsmen (see Moses, pp. 166-173, figs. 3.90-3.96).
The high quality of mahogany, finely carved details, consistent oxidation, and ties to the Townsend tradition of cabinetry amplify the importance of this slant-lid desk. This attractive form represents
the fine crafsmanship and quality that was produced by the able cabinetmakers of Newport, Rhode Island, led by the inspiration and creativity of John Townsend.
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Related examples of Newport block-and-shell slant lid desks are in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, one is labeled by John Townsend and the other is attributed to the Job Townsend family, and another desk is in a private collection (see Clement E. Conger and Alexandra W. Rollins, Treasures of State (New York, 1991), pp. 132-133, fig. 51; "Furnishings Available for Donation," 1987, Department of State Brochure; Ralph E. Carpenter, Jr., The Arts and Crafts of Newport, Rhode Island (Newport, 1954), p. 75, fig. 47).
A Comparison of construction and decorative details positively links this desk to the John Townsend school of cabinetry. Of particular interest is the construction of the rear feet. The mahogany side bracket of each foot extends beyond the back of the chest and is supported by a shaped glue block that in turn is joined to the triangular rear element. This method of joinery is only found on documented John Townsend Case pieces (Moses, pp. 94, 128).
first documented example of this sophisticated block-and-shell motif is linked to the talented master craftsman, John Townsend in 1756. The stylish quality of the design and conspicuous expense induced in producing such finely constructed and decorative masterpieces endeared block-and-shell case pieces to the wealthy Newport clientelle. A recognized emblem of power and success, this distinctive regional form was produced by skilled cabinetmakers for several decades, although the number of surviving examples pales in comparision to block-front case pieces produced in Massachusetts.
The double volute at the base of the applied shells on the slant lid of this desk is related to the fleur-de-lis carved shells on early case pieces documented to John Townsennd and Benjamin Baker (see Clement E. Conger and Alexandra W. Rollins, Treasures of State (New York, 1991), pp. 44-45, fig. 45; Michael Moses, aster Craftsmen of Newport, The Townsends and Goddards, (Tenafly, New Jersey, 1984), pp. 177, 192, figs. 3.99, 3.10). The block-and-shell carved desk interior complements the gentle curves of the carved lid and the case front, and is characteristic of Newport furniture. The case rests on simply shaped ogee-bracket feet. The form of the feet relate to case pieces authenticated to John Townsend, as well as to other Newport craftsmen (see Moses, pp. 166-173, figs. 3.90-3.96).
The high quality of mahogany, finely carved details, consistent oxidation, and ties to the Townsend tradition of cabinetry amplify the importance of this slant-lid desk. This attractive form represents
the fine crafsmanship and quality that was produced by the able cabinetmakers of Newport, Rhode Island, led by the inspiration and creativity of John Townsend.
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Related examples of Newport block-and-shell slant lid desks are in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, one is labeled by John Townsend and the other is attributed to the Job Townsend family, and another desk is in a private collection (see Clement E. Conger and Alexandra W. Rollins, Treasures of State (New York, 1991), pp. 132-133, fig. 51; "Furnishings Available for Donation," 1987, Department of State Brochure; Ralph E. Carpenter, Jr., The Arts and Crafts of Newport, Rhode Island (Newport, 1954), p. 75, fig. 47).
A Comparison of construction and decorative details positively links this desk to the John Townsend school of cabinetry. Of particular interest is the construction of the rear feet. The mahogany side bracket of each foot extends beyond the back of the chest and is supported by a shaped glue block that in turn is joined to the triangular rear element. This method of joinery is only found on documented John Townsend Case pieces (Moses, pp. 94, 128).