Italian, Central Italy
Writing Table with a bank of drawers (Scrivania con alzata), late 17th century - early 18th century
Walnut and iron , 99.8 x 149 x 73.3 cm (39 5/16 x 58 11/16 x 28 7/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This is a central Italian walnut writing table. Beneath the overhanging edge of the smooth writing surface there are two long drawers with keyholes. Set back atop the writing surface there are five drawers with escutcheons in the shape of overlapping C-scrolls. The three central drawers undulate gently in and out. The two drawers on either side of the central ones are flat and about half their size. There are carved scrolling brackets that rest on either side of the writing surface, resembling sloping arms extending outwards. Underneath the lower two drawers is a very short apron whose edge is carved into uneven short scrolls. The table rests on two parallel legs carved into the shape of grand scrolling lyres, each symmetrical and terminating in two scrolled feet. The legs are bracketed to the middle of the table by two curved iron stretchers.
Tapestry Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.