Design for a Bookcase with Writing Desk, ca. 1550?70, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over leadpoint, 8-3/4 x 12-1/2 in. (22. 2 x 31. 8 cm), Anonymous, Italian, 16th century (Italian, active Central Italy, ca. 1550?1580), This design combines a case for book storage with a writing desk and is therefore essentially a precursor to the secretary desk which would emerge in the 17th century. Since not many bookcases from before 1600 survive, this drawing is highly informative