Chest of Drawers
Artist
American
Date1760–1780
Mediummahogany, white pine, brass
Dimensions83.2 x 96.5 x 56.5 cm (32 3/4 x 38 x 22 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Markings[HM] or [WH] on end grain of left foot molding
[HM] or [WH] twice, on rear join at top
Credit LineBequest of Mary F. Barnard
Object number1935.209
DescriptionThis bureau, or chest of drawers, is a superior example of Chippendale case furniture. Its inverted serpentine lines are continuous throughout front surface. The top of the bureau hangs over the case, with beveled edges on the side and front edges. The rear surface is composed of three boards, asymmetrically applied. There are four drawers, the surface grain of which is almost perfectly symmetrical. A large indent can be seen on the second drawer's front right surface. Each drawer has one brass escutcheon in the center and two brass bail pulls on either side; all appear original, though the inner locks are not. Some of the inner drawer boards have been replaced but are continuous with the slim dovetail joins of original boards, and the bottom boards of every drawer show shrinkage. Remains of tape and modern repairs can be found on the interior surface of the first drawer. Rectangular gouges for locks are visible on the underside surfaces of all drawer supports, and there is drawer rail on the top surface of each rail. Each side of the case is composed of one board. A large, horizontal gouge or scratch can be seen on the right side board. The lower front and side moldings are beveled and rest atop the case bottom, which is composed of two boards. Six knee blocks support the four ball and claw feet on the front and sides, all of which are carved with a leaf-like silhouette. Three additional nails can be seen on the anterior surface of the molding; these were either a contemporary repair or support. The knees have a curved profile but a pointed edge, and the feet each have three raked toes. A large dent can be seen in the left front knee. The rear feet are not fully carved, and lack detail where they would have been against a wall. This detail and the round knuckles of the toes is characteristic of Massachusetts furniture from this period. The initials [WH] are branded twice on the back surface of the top edge, and once on the rear surface of the base molding. It is likely that these were the mark of a collector and made at a later date.ProvenanceMary F. Barnard, Worcester, MA;
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