Work Table

Artist / Maker

Unknown maker

City of Manufacture

Boston

Date

c. 1815–1820

Dimensions

31 x 24 x 18 in.

Medium

Primary woods: mahogany, bird’s eye maple

Surface treatments: brass, replacement upholstery

Labels / Inscriptions

Written in pen on desk surface: “Alexander Readcliffe Shaw. / Died December 3rd 1857 / Age 52 years / Homestead / Rochester / NY / South Clinton St. corner / old corner Washington Park. Court St. / Given to W. A. Shaw. / From. / M. Jennie Shaw Alexander/ 1857 1912.” Other ink inscription on desk surface: “Think age of / stand / in the year / of 1840/ It was / ever remembered / at my home by me / all my life.”  In a different hand, written in ink on desk surface, “M. Jennie Shaw.” and “Jennie Shaw.” On bottom of drawer in pencil, “O. J. Anderson / Melrose Ave. / Gova[undeciperable]” and in ink “N. 1”

Provenance

Alexander Radcliffe Shaw (1805–1857), Rochester, NY; By descent to W. A. Shaw; By descent to daughter Jennie Shaw Alexander (1857–1912); By descent to her nephew William Alexander Shaw in 1912. With Israel Sack Inc., New York, by 1993; Purchased by Schrimshers, 1993.