Secrétaire à abattant
1820–25
Medium
Mahogany, mahogany veneer, white pine, and popular, with black marble, ormolu, and brass
Dimensions
145.4 × 13348.4 cm (57 1/4 × 52 3/8 in.)
Classification
table
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
100054
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This architecturally inspired secretary was originally owned by David Sears (1787–1871), a prominent merchant and landowner, whose house, designed by Alexander Parris (1780–1852), still stands at 42 Beacon Street, Boston, as the Somerset Club. An 1822 perspective drawing of the home shows a double-columned portico with composite capitals similar to those of the secrétaire, epitomizing the American interpretation of the late French Empire style. The simple form of the exterior highlights the luxu...