Writing Desk

Original Language TitleSecrétaire en pente

Artist Bernard van Risenburgh II (French, ca. 1700 - 1767)

Dateca. 1750

MediumOak and walnut with tulipwood, kingwood, amaranth, and copper alloy with mercury gilding

DimensionsOverall: 34 7/16 × 35 7/16 × 16 15/16 inches (87.43 × 89.97 × 43.02 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: the Kenneth A. and Helen F. Spencer Foundation Acquisition Fund

Object numberF72-26

MarkingsStamped underneath: "BVRB"

On View

On view

Gallery Location

Collections

Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts

Terms

DescriptionThe desk top of serpentine outline over a hinged slat front, opening to a writing surface and two drawers flanking a pigeonhole surmounted by an open shelf. Behind the writing tablet are three secret compartments hidden by sliding covers. The valanced apron continuing to slender cabriole legs. The outside beautifully inlaid à quatre faces with a sunrise pattern, the inside with a foliated scroll design. Mounted with superbly chiselled bronze doré borders, appliqués, escutcheons, and sabots.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

This lady's desk has a sloping (en pente) hinged lid that provides a writing surface when open and serves to keep the desk's contents private when closed. Favored by the French court, the interiors of these small secrétaires were appointed with compartments to hide private papers; this desk possesses two drawers and a secret compartment. The elaborate marquetry (veneered surface) illustrates the ébéniste (cabinetmaker) van Risenburgh's adept ability to "paint" in toned woods. Here, the graceful floral ornamentation of the desk's interior contrasts with the dynamic geometric pattern radiating across the desk's exterior. The ornate gilded mounts complete the rich visual experience of this diminutive yet boldly executed example of 18th-century French marquetry.

Provenance

With Jacques Helft (1891-1980), Paris;

Purchased from Helft by Albert (1869-1940) and Clara M. (1872-1965) Blum, New York, by May 26, 1965 [1];

Purchased from Clara Blum’s estate by Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1966-1972;

Purchased from Rosenberg & Stiebel by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1972.

NOTES:

[1] According to Eric Stiebel, Rosenberg & Stiebel, in a letter to Ross Taggart, Senior Curator, November 1, 1972, “The Blums formed their collection at the turn of the century and acquired the majority of their art works in Paris. Mr. Jacques Helft, whose firm was one of the most reputable and best known art firms in Paris, told us that he sold the B.V.R.B. desk to the Blums, but he did not remember where he acquired it.” Frick Art Reference Library, New York, MS.065 Rosenberg & Stiebel Archive, Subject Files – Kansas City – Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, copies in Nelson-Atkins curatorial files.

[2] This desk was included in an inventory of the Blum collection dated May 26, 1965, Frick Art Reference Library, New York, MS.065 Rosenberg & Stiebel Archive, Subject Files – Blum, Clara M. – Estate of. Copies in Nelson-Atkins curatorial files.

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