From the graceful curves of its cabriole legs to the undulation of its bowed front, this secretaire represents the delicacy of the Queen Anne Style. A secretaire (or secretary) is a desk that is comprised of a chest of drawers upon which sits a cabinet with a sloped, hinged writing surface. Sometimes a secretaire will also be capped by a bookcase or glass-front cabinet.
This particular secretaire is English in origin, dating to about 1880. It’s very solidly constructed. The design is simple, allowing the architecture of the piece to do the talking. A subtle inlay of red wood and Mother-of-Pearl is the only adornment on the front.
Opening the cabinet further reveals the quality of the craftsmanship. Neatly assembled cubbies and pigeon holes would have helped to organize the owner of this desk. A piece such as this would have graced the parlor’s of many a fine home. It appeals to the Victorian love of beauty as well as their love of order.
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