Design for Rectangular Writing Table with Rounded Corners

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of early 20th-century American furniture with *Design for Rectangular Writing Table Rounded Corners* by the A.N. Davenport Co., around 1900–05. This piece, housed in the Smithsonian American Art's furniture collection, represents a blueprint for a practical yet refined writing desk—essential for the era's growing culture of personal correspondence and home offices. The rounded corners suggest a thoughtful nod to safety and softened aesthetics, blending functionality with subtle grace in everyday domestic life. Produced by A.N. Davenport Co., a notable American furniture manufacturer of the time, this design captures the transition from Victorian opulence to the cleaner lines emerging in the new century. Writing tables like this were staples in middle-class homes, symbolizing literacy, productivity, and social connectivity amid rapid industrialization. Though research on this specific example is ongoing, its preservation highlights the craftsmanship and innovation of U.S. makers during a pivotal period. Generously gifted by The Lake St. Louis Historical Society, this artifact invites us to appreciate how furniture designs shaped American interiors and lifestyles. A charming glimpse into history's drafting table! (178 words)