Desk c. 1936

Alfred H. Smith, who lived from 1855 to 1995, rendered "Desk" in precise detail, though the date of its creation remains unknown. Imagine the era in which Smith lived, a time when furniture was not just functional but also a statement of identity and social standing. This drawing, with its meticulous lines and emphasis on the desk’s structure, hints at the values of order and craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The desk, a space traditionally associated with intellect and domesticity, invites us to consider the roles assigned within the household. Who would have used this desk? What kind of labor would it have supported? The design implies a sense of both privacy and display, suggesting a complex interplay between personal space and societal expectations. It reflects how our identities are intertwined with the objects we use and the spaces we inhabit.