Italian, Central Italy
Writing Table with a bank of drawers (Scrivania con alzata), about 1700
Walnut with bronze fittings , 105 x 164.5 x 81.5 cm (41 5/16 x 64 3/4 x 32 1/16 in.)
This Italian walnut writing desk has a double row of small drawers set atop the far end of the writing surface. The drawers are separated from each other by a row of columns. The surface of the bank of drawers seems to undulate as it gently swells in and out until it joins scrolled brackets at each corner. The legs are carved with large and small scrolls. The legs curve to intersect a stretcher used as a cross brace, which has sweeping upward curves. The feet also curl upwards. Each drawer has elaborate decorative bronze drawer locks. Each is shaped like a curly goatee with a pair of long, up-curved moustaches. The two drawers below the desktop follow the straight line of the desk’s writing surface. Those drawers have raised, molded panels that combine straight and curved elements.
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.