Art Institute of Chicago

Chest of Drawers

Artist unknown (American, 19th century)

Date

1800–15

Medium

Mahogany, birch, and white pine

Culture

Portsmouth

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The serpentine form of the façade, the contrasting birch veneer in bold geometric patterns, the central drop pendant, and the beautifully curved French feet make this chest of drawers an outstanding example of 19th-century Portsmouth furniture. The top and sides of this chest have split in several places due to the typical Portsmouth construction that utilized nails to anchor the top and sides firmly to the core structure, thus preventing the natural expansion and contraction of the wood during changes in humidity. The chest retains its original stamped-brass hardware.

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