Bookcase
Attribution
William Kent
(English, 1685 - 1748)
Dateca. 1753
MediumMahogany with inlaid ivory and brass mounts
DimensionsOverall: 105 x 84 x 17 3/4 in. (266.7 x 213.4 x 45.1 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2216.8
Terms
- George II
On View
On viewLabel TextAttributed to William Kent English, 1685-1748 Bookcase, ca. 1735 Mahogany with inlaid ivory and brass mounts Architects and furniture designers in this period looked to classical forms, as this bookcase attests. Designed for the art connoisseur Sir Thomas Robinson, the massive bookcase is adorned with a scroll frieze at its base, egg-and-dart patterning on its doors, and a heavy temple cornice at the top—elements all inspired by classical architecture. The case contains a selection of books from the private library of Moses Myers, the 18th-century Norfolk merchant whose home was also conceived in the classical style. Maintained by the Chrysler, the Moses Myers House can be visited today in downtown Norfolk. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2216.8 Books from the Moses Myers House library, maintained by the Jean Outland Chrysler Library