1140.—Library Chair, Reading Table, and Reading Desk (Royal MS. 15D iii.) [image 689x618 pixels 75]

“The square-backed chair (Fig. 1146) was frequent in the mansions of the thirteenth century. In the fourteenth, they, and other articles combining household utility and elegance, were modified by the pointed architecture, and partook of the beautiful variety of its forms: this, in the engraving of Library furniture (Fig. 1140) we see in the reading-table a miniature spire or pinnacle, with little pointed arches.” (p. 334)

A crowned king sits on a canopied chair with a circular table in front of him piled high with books. He reads with a pointed finger. Nearby is a lectern or book stand holding a single open book.

I made the reading stand or lectern available as a separate image.

1140.—Library Chair, Reading Table, and Reading Desk (Royal MS. 15D iii.) details