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Spanish drop-front
desks, known today as baruenos,
were the most common pieces of furniture in sixteenth- and seventeenth-
century Spanish homes.
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| Function |
This
drop-front desk was a common piece of furniture in 16th
and 17th century Spanish homes and served a practical
function. The small drawers and the hinged compartments
were suited to storage of small treasures, documents,
and writing materials and the desk could be closed with
iron lockplates and carried by the handles for transport.
When positioned it would rest on a base such as this
trestle stand.
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| Technique
or Process |
This
writing desk is decorated with bone and small strips
of light wood inlaid into walnut wood.
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| Cultural
roots - see map |
The
intricate design of this desk is done in a style know
as mudejar. This word
is used for the Moors who remained in Spain after it
was reconquered by the Christians. The Islamic penchant
for intricate patterning and for decorating entire surfaces
is manifesed throughout the piece in the diamond, pear
and triangular shspes of inlaid ivory. The arched columns,
floral arrangements, and curvilinear vines reflect a
more Europeon tradition
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| Lesson
Plans |
Visual
Arts Lesson: Creating a decorative drawer front
for combined class writing desk. Individual drawers
fronts will conceal student treasures.
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| Extension
Activities |
Math:
Working in scale to complete a class project
Language Arts: Writing a secret letter to someone
to be hidden in the drawer.
Social Studies: Research and make a timeline of the
history of Spain.
Science: Identify the types of trees that would
grow in the area of Aragon in Spain. Which woods would
be identified as litghwood. Were walnut trees grown
in that climate or would it have been imported?
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