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Terminology

writing table

A writing table (French bureau plat) has a series of drawers directly under the surface of the table, to contain writing implements, so that it may serve as a desk. Antique versions have the usual divisions for the inkwell, the blotter and the sand or powder tray in one of the drawers, and a surface covered with leather or some other material less hostile to the quill or the fountain pen than simple hard wood. • Illustration — Writing table of Marie-Antoinette by Riesener (1783), Petit appartement de la reine, Palace of Versailles. • Illustration — The Baron de Besenval's bureau plat from around 1720 and remodelled by the ebeniste E. Cuvellier around 1765 at Christie's in Paris during the sales exhibition in 2025 entitled: "Les Passions du Baron de Besenval – A salon reimagined", featuring works of art from the baron's former collection at the Hôtel de Besenval. In form, a writing table is a pedestal desk without the pedestals, having legs instead to hold it up.

writing table

Saint Jerome (ca. 347-420) was one of the four Latin Fathers of the Church (the others being Saint Augustine, Ambrose, and Gregory the Great) and renowned for his translation of the Bible into Latin. The image of the saint in his study was popular during the 15th century, especially with scholars. The writing implements, scrolls, and manuscripts testify to Jerome's scholarly pursuits. The sandglas

Antonio da Fabriano · Walters Art Museum: Home page Info about artwork · Public domain

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wikidata · Q3512772 · wikipedia · Writing table

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  1. 01Origins and development
  2. 02Notes, references and evidence

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