Italian, Veneto
Writing Desk (Scrivania), 17th century - 18th century
Walnut and pine; inlaid panels: cherry, yew, ash, jujube, fir, and mulberry, 74.3 x 128.5 x 50 cm (29 1/4 x 50 9/16 x 19 11/16 in.)
Wooden writing desk that is dark and rich brown. The feet of the desk feature palm frond detailing that extends up to the top of all four corners of the desk. There are seven drawers all together, three on either side, and one in the center. The drawers are carved in rocaille style with slight lozenge shape. The top of the desk is surrounded by robust carved beading, which frames elaborate inlaid panels. The center panel depicts a person on a horse that is rearing back, and the horse and rider are in an intricate and archered cityscape. Around the central cartouche there are symbols of weapons, books, card-playing, and musical instruments. The outer panels on the right and left sides depict bands of alternating colors laid out in concentric rectangles.
Blue 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.