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Lot Essay
Displaying a case and carved details that are closely related to a high chest made by Thomas Affleck (1740-1795) for Levi Hollingsworth, the high chest offered here may have also been made in Affleck's shop (Christie's, New York, Important Philadelphia Chippendale Furniture from the Hollingsworth Family, 16 January 1998, lot 501). Both pieces display the same overall design, with similarly arched swan's neck pediments, drawer layout, fluted corner columns and waist moldings. Furthermore, the carved shells at the center of each's skirt appear to be identical and the carving on the drawers are follow the same design.
This high chest bears the inscription John C. Morris, indicating that it was owned by John Cadwalader Morris (1739-1785), the son of Samuel Morris (1711-1782) and Hannah Cadwalader (1715-1787). A Philadelphia lawyer, he served as Lieutenant Colonel and Quartermaster during the Revolution and in 1776 was appointed secretary of the Provincial Congress. After Independence, he was appointed Attorney General and was a member of the American Philosophical Society.
This high chest bears the inscription John C. Morris, indicating that it was owned by John Cadwalader Morris (1739-1785), the son of Samuel Morris (1711-1782) and Hannah Cadwalader (1715-1787). A Philadelphia lawyer, he served as Lieutenant Colonel and Quartermaster during the Revolution and in 1776 was appointed secretary of the Provincial Congress. After Independence, he was appointed Attorney General and was a member of the American Philosophical Society.