The Cabinet

The online catalog of the Rhode Island Historical Society

Collection Catalog

Add additional search criteria below and press enter:

Record 1 of 1

Accessibility:
Call No:
  • 1944.5.1
Title:
  • Desk and bookcase
Description:
  • Bookcase desk of carved mahagony. Blocked front with nine shells, some applied, some carved; top of bookcase has scroll pediment ending in many-petaled rosettes; three flame-and-urn finials at top corners and center. Stop-fluted quater-columns at edges of bookcase. Doors in three sections, each surmounted by a shell. Slant or drop front with three shells folds down to reveal writing surface and pigeonholes. Base of three drawers has three shells at top, and ogee feet. Batwings brasses on drawers, handles on base and bookcase. Belonged to Joseph Brown.
Date(s):
  • 1775-1785;
Collection Type:
Object Type:
Material(s):
  • mahogany
  • white pine
  • brass
Research Notes:
  • Belonged to Joseph Brown (1733-1785), brother of John Brown. Previously attributed to John Carlile, Sr. (1727-1796), now attributed to Maker Unknown as evidence from recent scholarship has excluded the John Carlile attribution.
Bibliographic References:
  • Rhode Island Historical Society. The John Brown House loan exhibition of Rhode Island furniture :including some notable portraits, Chinese export porcelain & other items. Providence :, the Society,, [1965].
Image ID Numbers:
  • https://RIHS.MINISISINC.COM/RIHS_IMAGE/RHiX17953w.jpg
Permanent Record Link:

Image 1 of