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Pedestal

Design attributed to: Frank Furness (American, 1839–1912)
Attributed to: Daniel Pabst (American (born in Germany), 1826–1910)
about 1875
Object Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Medium/Technique Walnut, pine
Dimensions Overall: 96.5 x 43.2 x 43.2 cm (38 x 17 x 17 in.)
Height x width (top surface): 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (39.4 x 39.4 cm)
Credit Line Gift of Daniel and Jessie Lie Farber and Susan Cornelia Warren Fund
Accession Number1984.267
CollectionsAmericas
Furness, a Philadelphia architect, often commissioned Pabst to execute his lively designs. These pedestals, like much of Furness's architecture, combine bold, three-dimensional structure with rhythmic, two-dimensional surface pattern.

DescriptionAttributed to Frank Furness (1839-1912), designer, and Daniel Pabst (1826-1910), cabinetmaker. Walnut pedestals with high molded base, a central column with bands of carved flowers spiraling up shaft and with square sectioned chamfered pilasters applied on four sides. Base and capitals of pilasters have carved abstract floral motifs. Capital of pedestals has abstract floral frieze and acanthus cornice.

Primary wood is walnut; secondary wood is a soft wood, probably Eastern white pine. Heavy block construction.
Signed Unsigned
ProvenanceBy 1984, Robert Edwards (The Artsman, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania); purchased by the MFA, 1984.