Unidentified
High Chest of Drawers
1759
Physical Qualities
Mahogany; yellow pine, tulip poplar, and sweet gum secondary woods; some replaced brasses, 96 3/8 x 44 1/2 x 24 3/4 in. (244.8 x 113 x 62.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of a Group of Friends in Memory of Howard Sill
Object Number
1929.13.1
This beautifully proportioned piece found near Chestertown is perhaps the perfect "textbook" example of the Maryland Chippendale style in this particular form. The front corner columns are chamfered and fluted and terminate in a lamb's tongue; other features include the high broken scroll pediment, three finials which line the top of the chest, carved shell pendant from the scalloped skirt of the base, extended acanthus leaf carvings on the knees of each cabriole leg, and leaf, tendril and floral carvings flanking the carved shell on the top drawer.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1929; Mary Frances DuVal Sill (Mrs. Howard Sill), Prince George's County, Maryland, by 1929; Howard Sill, Prince George's County, Maryland, after 1900.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Work of Baltimore and Annapolis Cabinetmakers from 1760-1810", February 21-April 6, 1947, cat. no. 124, p. 186, illus. p. 187
W. V. Elder III, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Maryland Queen Anne and Chippendale Furniture of the 18th Century", March 5-April 14, 1968, cat. no. 48, p. 82
The Walters Art Gallery, The Baltimore Museum of Art, The Maryland Historical Society, The Peale Museum, Maryland Academy of Sciences, Baltimore, "Maryland Heritage, Five Baltimore Institutions Celebrate the American Bicentennial", April 20-June 20, 1976
M. A. Dean et al., The Art Gallery and the Gallery of the School of Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, "350 Years of Art & Architecture in Maryland", October 26-December 1, 1984, cat. no. 52, p. 68, ill.
W. V. Elder III, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Maryland Queen Anne and Chippendale Furniture of the 18th Century", March 5-April 14, 1968, cat. no. 48, p. 82
The Walters Art Gallery, The Baltimore Museum of Art, The Maryland Historical Society, The Peale Museum, Maryland Academy of Sciences, Baltimore, "Maryland Heritage, Five Baltimore Institutions Celebrate the American Bicentennial", April 20-June 20, 1976
M. A. Dean et al., The Art Gallery and the Gallery of the School of Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, "350 Years of Art & Architecture in Maryland", October 26-December 1, 1984, cat. no. 52, p. 68, ill.
Miller, Edgar G. 'American Antique Furniture...,' Vol. 1, Baltimore: Lord Baltimore Press, 1937, pp. 377-378, fig. 662
In the Museums, 'Antiques,' October 1959, p.352
Greenfield, K.R. The Museum: Its First Half Century, 'Anual I,' BMA 1966, repro. p. 68 William Voss Elder III, "Maryland Furniture 1760-1840," 'Antiques', February 1977, pp. 356, 358, illus. pl. 1
Elder III, William Voss and Jayne E. Stokes. American Furniture 1680-1880: From the Collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art. Baltimore: Museum of Art, 1987, p.74-76, ill. 50.
'American Antiques From Israel Sack Collection,' Highland House Publishers, Inc. Vol. IX, 1989. Pl XVII
Maker
Unidentified
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Scott 07
