Bookcase
Design attributed to
Richard Upjohn
(English, 1802 - 1878)
Date1844-1846
MediumBlack walnut, eastern pine, glass
DimensionsOverall: 108 7/8 x 75 1/4 x 23 1/2in. (276.5 x 191.1 x 59.7cm)
ClassificationsFURNISHINGS
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Erving Pruyn
Terms
Object number60.164
DescriptionRomanesque Revival bookcase. Part of a suite.On View
Not on viewCollections
Copyright<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc/4.0/80x15.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
Label TextProvenance, the history of ownership of an object, can greatly enhance the importance of an article and can often help to identify an object's place of origin or, sometimes, its maker. A suite of library furniture--this bookcase is a portion of the set--was made for Robert Kelly's home in New York City and was continuously owned by family members until it was donated to MWPAI. Richard Upjohn served as the architect for the Kelly residence. Stylistic evidence and family papers indicate that Upjohn also completed much of the interior of the home, including the designs for the library furniture.
The designer of this piece and 60.165 emphasized the overall mass of each object, and there is a restrained use of detail. Romanesque and Italianate architectural features are favored over elaborate applied decoration and carving.
