Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
American black walnut, yellow poplar, Atlantic white cedar, southern yellow pine, 107 1/2 x 45 1/4 x 22 3/4 in. (273.1 x 114.9 x 57.8 cm)
Mabel Brady Garvan Collection
1930.2000
Elaborately carved high chests made in Philadelphia during the late colonial period are iconic statements of the American rococo style. The overall form is massive and architectural, with corner columns and an exaggerated scroll pediment terminating in rosettes. Superimposed on this form is lavish carved ornament, both applied and integral, featuring naturalistic motifs of shells, leaves, and flowers. The edges of the shells and cartouche have a rippling, ribbonlike appearance, and the delicate, incised lines provide texture and a sense of shading.
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