The delicate dimensions and a marquetry with the depiction of musical instruments as a sign of musical education identify the writing furniture as a ladies' secretary. The fact that a piece of furniture of this type was created in the 18th century is no coincidence. At that time, letter writing experienced a real heyday among the bourgeoisie. It was considered a respected form of expression, and women in particular were encouraged to use it. While men used the letter as a representative means of self-expression and demonstration of their own erudition, women were explicitly expected to write in the style of the so-called "private letter," which primarily served to describe their own feelings and experiences.