Desk
Artist
Patrick Henry Reason
(American, 19th century)
Dateabout 1765–1770
Mediummahogany
Dimensions114.9 x 107.3 x 54 cm (45 1/4 x 42 1/4 x 21 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Dr. Samuel B. Woodward
Object number1933.1
DescriptionMahogany, slant top, block front, claw and ball feet in front, of the type made about 1765-1770.Label TextThe American version of the Chippendale style is easily described as a more elaborate continuation of the Queen Anne style. The blocking in the front of this desk adds variety to the façade and allows the accentuated vertical lines to neutralize the squat horizontality of the desk. The two short cabriole legs in the front terminate in heavy ball-and-claw feet. Hidden within the fall-front are twelve internal drawers, eight arched pigeon-holes, and two balusters covering two secret drawers. Dr. Samuel Woodward (1787–1850) brought the desk with him from Wethersfield, Connecticut, to Worcester in 1833 when he came to serve as the first superintendent of the Massachusetts State Lunatic Hospital.ProvenanceBrought to Worcester in 1832 from Wethersfield, Conn. by Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, grandfather of the donor, when he came here to be first superintendent of the Mass. State Lunatic Hospital. Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, Worcester, MA;
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