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Dressing table

Additional Title(s)
  • Queen Anne lowboy
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Date1740-1760
Mediumwalnut
Dimensions30 1/2 x 33 1/4 x 19 3/4 in. (77.5 x 84.5 x 50.2 cm.)
DescriptionThe dressing table with a plain rectangular overhanging top with a molded edge, above a full width drawer over three short drawers, the central drawer with a plain concave fan front, each drawer with brass Chippendale-style bail pulls and molded edges, the top drawer with a matching escutcheon, shaped side and front aprons, the front with a pair of pendant acorn finials, raised on four cabriole legs terminating in pad feet. Two board sides, the drawer bottoms nailed into the drawer sides (not chamfered) with flat cut nails, the legs not continuous with the stiles.
MarkingsMark underside of the brace: 'L.1933-5'.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of Dr. Arthur Bond Cecil and Mrs. Henrietta Smith Cecil
Label TextWith its elegantly curving cabriole legs and pad feet, three flat arches across the front skirt, and mid-rib drops with distinctive acorn-shaped finials, this dressing table is a fine example of late baroque furniture in the Queen Anne style.
In the 18th century, dressing tables, also known today as lowboys, were frequently paired with high chests of similar design. As the name implies, they were used-most often by women-for applying makeup and dressing hair.

Status
Not on view
Object number91.288.2
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Unknown, American
1755-1775
Object number: 91.288.3
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Unknown, American
ca. 1810
Object number: 91.288.7
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Eliphalet Chapin
ca. 1774
Object number: 2020.15.10
Dressing Table
Unknown, American
1750-1760
Object number: 2016.11.4
One-drawer Stand
Unknown, American
ca. 1830
Object number: L2015.41.111
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Lt. Samuel Dunlap
ca. 1780-1810
Object number: 2016.25.67
Fall-Front Desk
Pierre Roussel
ca. 1760
Object number: 78.20.63
Table
Unknown
1750-1760
Object number: 78.20.66
Card table
Unknown, American
1790-1810
Object number: 91.288.6
Lift-top Chest of Drawers
Unknown, American
ca. 1830
Object number: L2015.41.104
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
Unknown, American
ca. 1720
Object number: 2020.15.6
Banister-back Side Chair
Unknown, American
ca. 1710-1725
Object number: 2016.25.66