Chest of Drawers

Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen, 1800

MEDIUMMahogany, birch, and white pine
DIMENSIONS95.9 × 103.5 × 58.4 cm (37 3/4 × 40 3/4 × 23 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This elegant chest of drawers from around 1800 showcases the fine craftsmanship and common materials of early American furniture, reflecting the domestic style of its era.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This chest of drawers, crafted around 1800, represents a significant piece of American furniture from the early Republic period. Its construction from mahogany, birch, and white pine speaks to the resources and craftsmanship available at the time. While the artist remains unknown, this piece shares stylistic and material commonalities with other furniture from the era, such as the Art Institute of Chicago's 'Cylinder Desk and Bookcase' (1800–10), which also uses mahogany and white pine. The choice of materials not only reflects practical considerations but also aesthetic preferences, with mahogany often used for its rich color and durability, and birch and pine for their contrasting textures and structural integrity. Furniture like this chest of drawers would have been a central feature in many homes, providing essential storage while also serving as a decorative element, embodying the domestic taste and skilled artistry of its period.

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What to Notice

1

The rich, warm tones of the mahogany wood.

2

The subtle grain patterns of the birch and pine.

3

The sturdy, practical construction of the drawers.

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Audio Deep Dive

This elegant chest of drawers from around 1800 showcases the fine craftsmanship and common materials of early American furniture, reflecting the domestic style…

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THE ARTIST
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen

This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.

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