Perhaps any time we move our cameras closer, much closer, we produce an abstract little gem that begs the question: What is this? And so, when we visited Nantucket this spring, this little detail — an abstract, if you will — caught our attention: crackled and crazed paint accenting a gentle spiral on an American handmade piece. Can you guess what it is?

Morning sunlight streaming in from an upstairs window highlights this detail at the Nantucket Atheneum.
The photo was taken at one of what we consider the loveliest libraries in the U.S. — the Atheneum in Nantucket. With its antique chairs and tables inviting you to sit and read, its displays on current topics of interest (last week it was the upcoming Nantucket Daffodil Festival), and its enviable collection of maritime antiques (scrimshaw, figureheads, whaling artifacts), it has distinguished itself as not only a repository for books but also an architectural and cultural gem.

The Nantucket Atheneum
So have you identified the tiny part of the whole we shared above? It’s one tiny segment of an excellent antique Windsor desk.

Antique Windsor desk in an upstairs corner of the Atheneum in Nantucket.
For more entries in this week’s WordPress Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Abstract, click here.
For more information:
The Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street, PO Box 808, Nantucket, MA 02554; 508-228-1110
Facebook: Nantucket Atheneum: https://www.facebook.com/NantucketAtheneum/?fref=ts
Sue Slaght
A fabulous way to create abstract. I loved the gradual zooming out to leave me wondering what was coming next.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. I love focusing on one small element — and this one just seemed perfect for the challenge!
Miriam
Oh I do love visiting a good library. Lovely take on the challenge.
Oh, the Places We See
Miriam, I’ve started visiting more libraries since I’m on the Board of the Friends of the Knox County Library in my hometown. It’s fun to see what other libraries have on display and what their buildings look like. I may be just getting old and appreciating (finally) what’s always been just around the corner!
Miriam
Better late than never! Enjoy. 🙂
dawnkinster
Nice! Lovely light there too. Perfect library.
Oh, the Places We See
Dawn, if you ever have a chance to see Nantucket, take it. Not only the library is beautiful — everything is! Thanks for the comment.
Discover and Explore
Yes, Nantucket is special. Nice perspective!
arv!
Interesting take on WPC-Abstract!…love the first picture of chair!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a message. I, too, love the close-up of the chair — but even zooming out gave me lots to look at! This is one fine library!
Pit
What a wonderful chair!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Pit. I’m partial to antiques, so I fall in love every time I see things like this preserved. Thanks for taking note and commenting.