Artwork
The Writing Desk
The Writing Desk is an ink print by Childe Hassam. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1915, this black‑ink etching on wove paper presents a domestic interior centered on a woman seated at a writing desk.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper right in plate: Cos Cob / [the artist's monogram] / 1915; lower right in graphite: [the artist's monogram] imp.; lower left in graphite by unknown hand: THE WRITING DESK; upper left verso in graphite by unknown hand: 41 [circled]; lower right verso in graphite by unknown hand: 43 3/4 [circled]
- Markings
- Marked:stamped lower center verso in black ink: F.B.B. [circled]
About this work
Overview
Created in 1915, this black‑ink etching on wove paper presents a domestic interior centered on a woman seated at a writing desk. The composition places her in profile, surrounded by scattered papers, pens and other writing implements, while foliage and potted plants form a verdant backdrop. The work exemplifies a quiet, everyday moment rendered with careful attention to light and shade.
Subject & Meaning
The figure appears absorbed in thought, her posture suggesting contemplation or correspondence. The inclusion of personal items, ink bottles, paper piles, a quill, offers a window into early‑twentieth‑century home life, emphasizing the private sphere of work and leisure. The surrounding greenery adds a sense of calm and frames the scene, reinforcing the intimacy of the setting.
Technique & Style
The contrast between dense shadow and illuminated areas creates a subtle three‑dimensional effect typical of his printmaking.
Executed as an etching, the image relies on incised lines and tonal washes to model form and texture. Hassam employs delicate cross‑hatching to convey the softness of the woman's clothing and the intricate foliage, while broader, deeper lines define the desk and its clutter. The contrast between dense shadow and illuminated areas creates a subtle three‑dimensional effect typical of his printmaking.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced by American Impressionist Childe Hassam during a period when he explored print media alongside his paintings. Though specific exhibition records are limited, the work entered private collections shortly after its creation and has been cited in catalogues of Hassam’s etchings as an example of his interest in everyday domestic scenes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Childe Hassam (; October 17, 1859 – August 27, 1935) was an American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes.
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