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Mechanical Writing Table

Possibly (French, 1721 - 1763, of German birth)
Additional Title(s)
  • Table à Écrire, or Table Mécanique
  • Writing Table
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Date1755-1765
Mediumoak and walnut carcase veneered with marquetry of kingwood, tulipwood, purplewood, bois satiné, green-stained maple, ebony and holly stringing, maple counter-veneer; panel of Japanese takamaki-e lacquer; gilt-bronze mounts; iron hardware
Dimensions27 9/16 x 36 3/4 x 17 5/8 in. (70 x 93.3 x 44.8 cm.)
DescriptionMechanical table
Signed
InscribedDuveen label: 28065. Paper label in proper left side compartment: A Louis XV Marqueterie and / ormolu mounted Table in rose / wood and mahogany, with sliding / top, centre writing slope with / black and gilt lacquer panel, / two side drawers, inlaid flowers / foliage, and musical instru- / ments. From the Collection of / The Admiral of the Fleet, / Lord W. Talbot Kerr, C.C.B., / Brocket Hall, England
Markings
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Label TextThis writing table opens by means of an elaborate mechanism that simultaneously propels the top surface backward and a large drawer forward. A button, disguised to resemble a portion of one of the gilt-bronze mounts, releases the center drawer, allowing it to be pushed forward by two steel springs. Mechanical tables catered to a sophisticated clientele fascinated by curiosities and the latest gadgetry. The form of this desk is similar to that of a group of bureau-toilettes (writing/dressing tables) Oeben made for Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV.
Status
On view
Object number27.185
Writing Table
Bernard Molitor
ca.1788-1796
Object number: 16.12
Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory
1767-1770
Object number: 27.128
Fall-front Secretary
Bernard Molitor
secretary: 1812-1816; plaques: center:1783, left:1774, right:1777
Object number: 27.22
Writing Desk
Charles Cressent
1723-1730
Object number: 27.18
Small Upright Writing Cabinet
Pierre Roussel
1760-1770
Object number: 27.101
Chest of Drawers
Martin Carlin
ca. 1775
Object number: 11.31
Fall-front secretary
Martin Carlin
ca. 1775
Object number: 11.32
Hebe
Jacques-François-Joseph Saly
1900-1917
Object number: 17.27
Sir Peter Warren (Naval Officer)
Louis François Roubillac
n.d.
Object number: 67.53
François Boucher
n.d.
Object number: 000.103.55
Venus and Cupid
François Boucher
1769
Object number: 78.20.1
After the Storm
Charles François Daubigny
c. 1870s
Object number: 8.2