Desk and Bookcase, from Chippendale Drawings, Vol. II 1753

Curator: Let's discuss this striking drawing from 1753: "Desk and Bookcase" by Thomas Chippendale, part of his "Chippendale Drawings, Vol. II" held here at the Met. Editor: Wow, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale! All those swirling lines and delicate details...it gives me a slightly gothic, romantic vibe. Curator: Precisely. This piece demonstrates Chippendale’s early engagement with Neoclassicism, though tempered by the rococo and gothic. Note the precision of the print and drawing media; line and form convey everything here. Editor: What's fascinating is how technical it is while also managing to feel so ornate and full of life. Like, you can imagine the craftsman poring over every little curve, can’t you? But those sharp gothic arches--slightly unexpected, almost playful. Curator: Indeed, the interplay between utility and aspiration. Chippendale designs catered to a burgeoning middle class with aristocratic desires, expressed through decorative arts that blend various styles accessible via publications such as these volumes. The bookcase speaks volumes about this transitional desire, if you will. Editor: It almost feels like a peek into the mind of someone dreaming of a grander life. Or, I don't know, maybe it just reminds me that even desks used to be much fancier. There's history being visualized—that’s history painting. I bet people back then felt they were living in momentous times. Curator: Very well said. Considering the historical context and Chippendale's ability to synthesize diverse design influences into functional art— Editor: Okay, I am sold. Next time I'm at the Met, I'm making a beeline for it. So much more than just a desk, isn't it? Thanks!