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Chest of Drawers

Additional Title(s)
  • Commode
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Date1740-1760, with later alterations
Mediumoak and pine carcase veneered with tulipwood; gilt-bronze mounts; griotte rouge marble top.
Dimensions32 3/4 x 51 3/8 x 25 in. (83.2 x 130.5 x 63.5 cm.)
DescriptionLouis XV marquetry commode mounted in bronze dore. Oblong top of Rance marble. Serpentine-shaped body, with two doors enclosing shelves. Finely chiselled bronze dore shoulder mounts, escutcheons, sabots, and pierced motif on the valanced skirt.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Adele S. Browning Memorial Collection, gift of Mildred Browning Green and Honorable Lucius Peyton Green
Label TextAlthough many features of this commode originate in the 18th century, the construction of the doors suggests a later date. However, the many anomalies in the parquetry veneers imply a long history of transformation rather than a 19th-century date of manufacture. Such alterations to a piece of furniture were not uncommon, reflecting changing tastes and necessary repairs over the course of many owners.
Status
On view
Object number78.20.61
Chest of Drawers
Unknown
1790-1795
Object number: 10.3
Chest of Drawers
Martin Carlin
ca. 1775
Object number: 11.31
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Eliphalet Chapin
ca. 1774
Object number: 2020.15.10
Chest of Drawers
Unknown, American
1800-1810
Object number: 2016.11.13
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Unknown, American, 18th Century
ca. 1780-1790
Object number: 2013.8
High Chest of Drawers
American
ca. 1710
Object number: 2010.8
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Unknown, American
ca. 1720
Object number: 2020.15.6
Chest of Drawers
Unknown, American
ca. 1810
Object number: 2017.5.10
Lift-top Chest of Drawers
Unknown, American
ca. 1830
Object number: L2015.41.104
Design for Drop-front Desk with Drawers on Side [room unknown]
William H. Bradley
ca. 1902
Object number: 86.16.11
Writing Desk
Etienne Doirat
1720-1732
Object number: 11.27
Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
Adam Weisweiler
1785
Object number: 27.21