Skønvirke Petite Pine Desk
Martin Nyrop
Denmark, 1905

Description:

A petite desk in pine designed by architect Martin Nyrop and made by cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen during the early 20th century.

This table, until recently, was part of the interior of the Copenhagen Town Hall. A building designed by architect Martin Nyrop in the Danish Art Nouveau style ("Skønvirke"), also referred to as the National Romantic style.

Linear grooves run along the apron and legs of the desk, a restrained treatment of ornament in-keeping with other furniture of the project. The top is covered in the original forest-green linoleum which augments the rich colour and depth of the pine frame.

In keeping with the salient aesthetics of the Arts and Craft movement, the construction of the desk is simple, yet exceptionally executed, and exposes the construction of the design throughout. This can be seen in the exposed brass screws which run along the perimeter edge of the tabletop that honestly portray the assembly of the desk. 

Nyrop designed the totality of the Town Hall: exterior, accessories, & furnishings. Construction on the building began in 1892 and concluded in 1905, therefore this desk was designed, built and installed before 1905. This makes the design one of the first major collaborations for cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen.

The desk is in good vintage condition. All wear is commensurate with age and use.

Specifications:

Height: 73cm

Width: 52.5cm

Depth: 105 cm