Secretary c. 1730

Curator: Here we have a piece titled "Secretary," crafted by an unidentified maker. Its monumental scale is immediately apparent. Editor: It looks like something you’d find in a haunted mansion—beautifully crafted, but definitely with a spooky vibe. Curator: Indeed, the robust curves of the drawers and the flamboyant shell motif at the top indicate a Baroque sensibility. Editor: All that ornamentation! Those handles look like little golden demons. Curator: The interplay of light and shadow across its surface enhances the wood grain's natural patterns. It's a testament to materiality. Editor: You know, it makes me wonder what secrets are hidden inside, what stories this piece could tell. Curator: A fine point! The piece's very existence prompts contemplations about history and legacy. Editor: And that, in itself, gives the "Secretary" its unique haunting beauty.