Prie Dieu (Prayer desk)
Unknown Artist
17th century, partly, and later
Medium
Walnut, poplar.
Dimensions
H. 89 cm, W. 65.5 cm, D. 62.7 cm
Classification
Woodwork-Furniture
Culture
Italian (?)
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2012
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, *Prie Dieu* (prayer desk) exemplifies exquisite 17th-century Italian woodwork, with later modifications that speak to its enduring use. Standing at 89 cm high, 65.5 cm wide, and 62.7 cm deep, it features a cushioned kneeling surface, slanted shelf for a prayer book, and sturdy frame—perfect for private devotion in homes or chapels. Crafted from rich walnut and poplar, these woods were prized in Renaissance and Baroque Italy for their durability and fine grain, allowing intricate carving and a warm patina that has deepen...