Secretary from the Jay Gould House, New York City 1882

This Secretary, made of wood by the Herter Brothers for the Jay Gould House in New York City, displays a striking contrast between its dark, ebony-like frame and the intricate gilded floral patterns. The overall impression is one of formality and opulence, where the linear structure of the cabinet is softened by organic, stylized motifs. Notice how the gilded designs are not merely decorative; they also serve to accentuate the different functional parts of the piece. The drawers and the writing surface are clearly delineated by these horizontal bands of ornament. This contrast between structure and ornament invites us to consider how the Secretary functions both as a practical object and a status symbol. It destabilizes traditional notions by merging the functional with the purely aesthetic, creating a piece that speaks to both utility and the lavish tastes of the Gilded Age. The gilded floral elements serve to soften the rigid lines.