Skip to main content
Marie Antoinette Desk Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Marie Antoinette Desk Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Marie Antoinette Desk Set

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.701271.47-48.a-j
Object Type Set, Desk
Intended Recipient (American, 1998)
Intended Recipient (American, 2001)
Medium paper, ink, adhesive, metal, plastic, rubber, pencil (graphite), wood, resin, elastic
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a - Large Notebook) H 1/8 in x W 6 7/8 in x D 8 3/8 in (0.4 cm x 17.5 cm x 21.3 cm )
Overall - 3D (.b - Medium Notebook) H 1/2 in x W 4 in x D 6 3/8 in (1.3 cm x 10.2 cm x 16.2 cm )
Overall - 3D (.c - Small Notebook) H 3/8 in x W 2 3/8 in x D 3 3/4 in (1 cm x 6 cm x 9.5 cm )
Overall - 3D (.d - Key Chain) H 1/4 in x W 1 3/4 in x D 3 1/2 in (0.6 cm x 4.4 cm x 8.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.e - Pencil) D 7 in x Diam 1/4 in (17.8 cm x 0.6 cm )
Overall - 2D (.f - Ruler) L 1 3/4 in x W 8 5/8 in (21.9 cm x 4.4 cm )
Overall - 3D (.g - Eraser) H 1/2 in x W 2 1/2 in x D 1 1/8 in (1.3 cm x 6.4 cm x 2.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.h - Pill Box) H 3/4 in x W 2 3/8 in x D 2 1/8 in (1.9 cm x 6 cm x 5.4 cm )
Overall - 2D (.i - Magnet) L 3 1/8 in x W 2 1/8 in (5.4 cm x 7.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.j - Fan) H 5/8 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 9 in (1.6 cm x 4.8 cm x 22.9 cm )

Physical DescriptionTwo desk sets inspired by Marie Antoinette with pink and floral decorations on all pieces. Each set has three journals in various sizes, a pencil, an eraser, a ruler, a keychain, a pill box, a magnet, and a wooden fan. Two of the journals are lined and have images of women in baroque dresses over a pink background with floral chains up the sides while the third journal is small, held closed with an elastic, and has an image of Marie Antoinette. The other parts of the set are all decorated with women in extravagant baroque dresses and large wigs.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThese items were gifts from a foreign official to Malia and Sasha Obama during the Obama Administration. They were received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until their transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction Status(not entered)
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links