Decorative arts

Mechanical Writing Table

1 of 19

Type: Decorative arts(Opens in new tab)
Date: 1755-1765
Accession number: 27.185
Possiblys: possibly by Jean-François Oeben(Opens in new tab) (French, 1721–1763); possibly by Roger Vandercruse Lacroix(Opens in new tab) (French, 1728–1799)
Dimensions: 27 9/16 x 36 3/4 x 17 5/8 in. (70 x 93.3 x 44.8 cm.)
Medium: oak 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
Description: A mechanical table with decorative wood inlay, which is both a dressing table and a writing table when open.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

This 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.

Mechanical Writing Table

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