Lot 914
  • 914

The Physick Family Queen Anne Carved Walnut Desk and Bookcase

Estimate
6,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • walnut
  • Height 93 in. by Width 40 in. by Depth 22 3/4 in.
With restorations.

Provenance

According to family tradition:
Edmund Physick, Philadelphia;
Dr. Philip Syng Physick (1768 - 1837), son;
Susan Dillwyn Physick Conner, daughter;
Edward Emlen Conner;
Alan Conner, Germantown.

Condition

With restorations, composed of 18th century elements and later, desk and bookcase with significant alterations.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Dr. Physick was the son of Abigail Syng and Edmund Physick, the Keeper of the Great Seal, receiver-general of Pennsylvania, and agent for the Penn estates.  Dr. Physick studied in London with John Hunter and upon his return to Philadelphia was elected to the staff of the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1794.  In 1800 he was appointed surgeon to the Almshouse, and five years later a chair of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania was created for him.  Dr. Physick and Elizabeth Emlen were married in 1800.  Seven children were born to them, while only four survived infancy.  Upon his death in 1837, Dr. Physick left an impressive mark on American medicine through his gifts as a teacher and his development of surgical procedures.

According to family history, the desk and bookcase is believed to have been originally installed in the Hill-Physick-Keith house.  The desk and bookcase remained in the descendants' Philadelphia homes until the final family owner, Alan Conner, lent the desk and bookcase to the Landmarks Society and it returned to the Hill-Physick-Keith house.