Desk and Bookcase Carved and Veneered Mahogany Philadelphia, Circa 1820-1830 Private Collection

The upper columns have Corinthian capitals and the lower columns are modified Ionic. A "paneled out" construction in the manner of ancient Etruscan decorated walls adorns the front surface of the fall front desk and cabinet doors. The door muntins arch at the top with an angle that corresponds to that of the acanthus decorated corner acroterion. Between these, the triangular central pediment is veneered mahogany. The overall effect is directly derived from pediments frequently seen surmounting Greek temples and other monuments. All glass knobs are original. Photo from the book Philadelphia Empire Furniture, The Boor Family.

French Secretary, mahogany; Strong Attribution to Anthony Quervelle Philadelphia, Circa 1825-1830 Private Collection

This "French secretary" or secretary a abattant is almost certainly the work of Quervelle's shop. The detail and moldings above the interior drawer spaces are identical to those of a desk design of Quervelle. Some features of the piece can also be related to Quervelle's, including the use of veneered stained burl maple columns, the use of a semicircular panel in the upper rectangular element of the pediment of the secretary, and the use of gilt stenciling, which is often seen on Quervelle's pier and center tables. The general construction of this piece is a rectangular box base with a sloping, cone shaped section above which appears to be distinctive to a small number of Philadelphia made fall-front secretaries of this period. Photo from the book Philadelphia Empire Furniture, The Boor Family.

25th Annual Maya Weekend: The Dawn of Mayan Civilization; explore Mayan Kingdoms through scholars, films, and workshops; 10 a.m.; Penn Museum; weekend: $175, $140/members; Maya banquet extra; info.: www.museum.upenn.edu/new/mayaweekendregistration.shtml. Through April 15 (Museum). Pictured above: artwork derived from pre-classic murals at San Bartolo painted by Heather Hurst for the Proyecto San Bartolo.

Engraving Pyramid Tomb of Caius Cestius {From the Le Vedute di Roma (The Views of Rome), 1748-78} from the exhibit, Piranesi: The Grandeur of Ancient Rome. Sixty works by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, one of the major artists of 18th century Italian etching, are featured in this exhibition. Born in Venice and educated to be an architect, Piranesi spent most of his life in Rome, becoming an authority on Roman archaeology. Architectural remains of ancient Rome were a major source of inspiration to Piranesi, whose goal— was realized in numerous, often large-scale etchings of famous ancient sites. A superb technician, Piranesi combined a mastery of draftsmanship and perspective, a strong knowledge and love of Roman antiquities, a sense of drama and an epic imagination in his etchings. This traveling exhibition, coordinated by Blair-Murrah, includes engravings of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, the ancient Roman Forum and the Pyramid Tomb of Caius Cestius, as well as many tombs, ancient amphitheaters, bridges, fountains and temples. Through June 16.

From the exhibit by Karen Kilimnik, Steed leaving for costume party on deserted island - emma stays home to work; 2006 Water soluble oil color on canvas 11 x 14 inches Courtesy 303 Gallery, New York.

From the exhibit, Crimes of Omission, Geraint Evans Dumpster (detail), 1998 Acrylic on board friezes 17 1/4 x 31 inches each Set of 7. Courtesy of the West Collection, SEI.