Secretary-bookcase 1825-35 Possibly by Robert Fisher Neoclassicism was the dominant style in American furniture for the first four decades of the nineteenth century. In contrast to the earlier Neoclassical designs characterized by light, delicate forms and geometric lines, this secretary, or writing desk, is associated with the later phase of Neoclassicism between 1815 and 1845. While by definition all Neoclassical furniture draws upon the past through the use of motifs and elements from antiquity such as acanthus leaves, animal-paw feet, and palmettes, late Neoclassical furniture is distinguished by its bold forms and often monumental character. Here the ebonized mahogany, the painted and gilded fretwork in imitation of brass inlay, the naturalistic stenciling of fruits and flowers on the rounded front molding and cornice, the columns with carved and gilded capitals, and the massive paw feet below burnish-gilded cornucopia brackets, all combine to create one of the greatest expression