Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
High Chest of Drawers |
Place of Origin |
Massachusetts, Boston |
Artist or Maker |
Brocas, John (died 1740) |
Date |
1733-1737 |
Materials |
Maple, White Pine, Brass, Paint/Gesso/Gilt |
Dimension Details |
Height: 69 3/4" Width: 40 3/4" Depth: 22 1/4" |
Description |
This high chest of drawers with a Japanned surface was made in two parts. The upper case has a long drawer in the cornice over four graduated tiers of drawers, and the lower case has a pair of short drawers over three drawers. The center drawer of the lower case has a recess with an arched top. Cabriole legs with plain feet support the chest. All of the drawer fronts are decorated with figures, natural vistas, plants, and exotic animals in raised gesso and gilt. It appears the surface was first covered with a red pigmented paint that was streaked with black paint to create a faux tortoiseshell effect. The Japanned decoration is attributed to Robert Davis (working c.1733, d.1739). "Brocas," for the Boston, Massachusetts joiner John Brocas (d. 1740), is written in graphite on the backs of most of the drawers. A graphite number wheel and a series of numerals and letters fill the bottom surface of one drawer bottom, and may have been made in either the joiner's or japanner's shops. "XX" is written in red pencil at the bottom edge of the drawer sides and backs. The letters "I.P." are cast on the backs of the original brass plates and escutcheons, probably for John Pulley, who was working in London by 1731. Turned drops for the chest were replaced. |
Provenance |
Descended in the Admiral Stephen Decatur Trenchard family, Kittery Point, Maine Isabelle Trenchard Decatur, Kittery, Maine (possibly earlier than 1935) Sold at F.O. Bailey, Portland, Maine, July 19, 1977 Purchased by Jack Partridge, North Edgecomb, Maine, 1979 Sold at Christie’s, New York, New York, Pimm Sale, May 5, 1979, Lot 388 Purchased by The Dietrich American Foundation, 1979 |
Object Name |
Chest of Drawers |
Object ID |
8.2.1.1186 |
Search Terms |
furniture |