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Year Completed
2021
Abstract
Nadia Mechboukh, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Writing Desk (Escritorio) for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.
The portable desks traveled through space and adapted to new locations. The materiality, design, and techniques of the escritorios are an indication of the location where it was made. The concept of the escritorio was relatively the same through time but told different stories through its designs and ornamentation.
1) It had an administrative function.
2) It was a sign of wealth and social position. (from a cassone to escritorio)
3) The length of the production process using Linaloe can explain why these are believed to be custom-made for wealthy people.
Object Name
Writing Desk
Function
case furniture and writing surface
Material(s)
linaloe wood, grenadillo wood, Spanish cedar, iron
Maker
Don Fernando Luis Altamirano
Place of Origin
Oaxaca, Mexico
Cultural Connections
Spain
Time Period
1671
Current Location (Museum Collection)
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Disciplines
Interior Design
Department
VCU Arts Dept. of Interior Design
Date of Submission
12-7-2021