Advanced Search
Cabinet
about 1873–75
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Mahogany, rosewood, exotic woods, porcelain and bronze plaques
Dimensions
Overall: 143.5 x 179.1 x 41.9 cm (56 1/2 x 70 1/2 x 16 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Edwin E. Jack Fund
Accession Number1981.400
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
This piece embodies the idea that “more is more.” Designed to convey their owners’ wealth and taste, such cabinets were used to display equally sumptuous works of art, such as elaborate clocks or vases. All of New York’s leading cabinetmakers made similar pieces, which were called “French cabinets,” as they were based (loosely) on French courtly styles of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. This cabinet integrates--among other elements--classically inspired columns, Italian Renaissance-style marquetry panels and console brackets, and a French porcelain plaque with a French-inspired metal surround.
Signed
"Aylward" signed in pencil on ormolu around door plaque.
Marks
1. Stamped "N. GUSTAFSSON" on top of ebonized pilasters, bottom rail of central door, bottom rail of left and right front panels, back of stretcher of base, back board.
2. Stamped "P.E.G." on ormolu around the bronze relief plaque in upper section and on ormolu around the ceramic plaque on the door.
2. Stamped "P.E.G." on ormolu around the bronze relief plaque in upper section and on ormolu around the ceramic plaque on the door.
ProvenanceMuseum purchase from Carl L. Crossman (Danvers, Mass.), 1981 (Accession Date: November 18, 1981)