Rococo Revival writing desk. High relief carved arching crest with acanthus leaf motif flanked by matching finials. A cherub relief face with wings in a recessed arch is seen below the crest, surmounting a storage cabinet decorated with more highly carved foliate and scroll motifs along both rails. The cabinet door is decorated with inlaid woods that form a vase with flowers. The writing desk has a fold-down/pull-out writing surface and four drawers that surmount a central drawer and four highly carved foliate and scroll adorned cabriole legs that terminate on casters and are connected by supports to central finials.
Several broken finials and high relief carvings under central cabinet
Object ID
W.1936.008.001
Notes
From the account of Major Andre, who visited Wheatland in 1888, it can be surmised that the escritoire stood in the sitting room or study. This room was located to the left of the front door in the central section of the house.
The charter, laws, catalogue of books, list of philosophical instruments, &c. of the Juliana Library-Company, in Lancaster : To which are prefixed, some reflections on the advantages of knowledge; the origin of books and libraries, shewing how they have been encouraged and patronized by the wise and virtuous of every age. : With a short account of its institution, friends and benefactors. ... Published by order of the directors
The earliest library in Lancaster, known as the "Juliana Library," was established in 1759, under the name of "The Lancaster Library Company." It was the third subscription library established in Pennsylvania. In 1763 it was chartered, and, out of compliment to Lady Juliana Penn, daughter of the Earl of Pomfret, and wife of Thomas Penn, one of the proprietors of the Province of Pennsylvania, it was called the Juliana Library. The library at one time had about 800 books on its shelves and was fairly prosperous. Its most flourishing period was from 1760 to 1775.
On back of cover: "#532 Hinkels Sale Mar 31 1920 --$61.00. Purchased by Chas. I. Landis July 14 1920 from Nevin F. McGirr fpr $25."
