Decorative arts

Writing desk

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Type: Decorative arts(Opens in new tab)
Date: ca. 1770
Accession number: 27.121
Makers: Bertrand(Opens in new tab) (French, 1757–1775); Martin Carlin(Opens in new tab) (French, 1734–1785); Dominique Joffray(Opens in new tab) (French); Denis Leve(Opens in new tab) (French); Guillaume Noël(Opens in new tab) (1755–1804); Jean-Jacques Pierre le jeune(Opens in new tab); Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory(Opens in new tab) (born 1756)
Dimensions: 31 3/4 x 26 1/4 x 15 3/4 in. (80.6 x 66.7 x 40 cm.)
Medium: oak carcase, veneered with tulipwood, sycamore, and amaranth; soft-paste porcelain plaques; gilt-brass mounts and writing accessories; glass inkwell; velvet writing surface; silk and gold brocade drawer linings.
Description: The main drawers contain fittings for ink and sand, with main compartments fitted with hinged writing surface. The velvet, gallon, and glass inkwell (an especially rare survival) of this desk appear to be original. The box for sand is missing. The center desk-top plaque has a small flower cascade on the lower right.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

Martin Carlin, who emigrated from Germany to Paris, was one of the pre-eminent furniture makers of the second half of the 18th century. These small writing desks were supplied by the dealer Poirier, for whom Martin Carlin seems to have worked almost exclusively. Through Poirier, his furniture was sold to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Madame du Barry and many members of the court. The main drawers of these desks contain fittings for ink and sand, with main compartments fitted with hinged writing surfaces.

Writing desk

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