Bureau de Dame, Jean Gaspard Feilt, kingwood, oak, marquetry, gilded bronze mounts, French XVIII listed on cat. card as Louis XV Lady's Writ- ing Desk; Dims 38-1/4 x 41-1/2 x 23-1/2'; 6/88: a-desk; b-j-drawers; k-l lower drawers; key

Lady’s writing desk, c. 1750

Decorated with flowers, butterflies, and groupings of musical motifs, this writing desk reflects a period in which female members of the French aristocracy had become active participants in literary life, and when in particular the writing of personal letters (rather than their dictation to a secretary) would have been part of the daily routine of any lady of rank. As such, the small writing desk may be seen as an ancestor of a tablet computer or smartphone, though definitely not as portable.

Explore

Audio

Feilt, Lady's Writing Desk (#085)
Details
Title
Lady’s writing desk
Artist Life
active mid 18th century
Role
Maker
Accession Number
80.35a-l
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Bureau de Dame, Jean Gaspard Feilt, kingwood, oak, marquetry, gilded bronze mounts, French XVIII listed on cat. card as Louis XV Lady's Writ- ing Desk; Dims 38-1/4 x 41-1/2 x 23-1/2'; 6/88: a-desk; b-j-drawers; k-l lower drawers; key