A DIMINUTIVE FEDERAL CARVED MAHOGANY SERPENTINE-FRONT CHEST-OF-DRAWERS

Details

A DIMINUTIVE FEDERAL CARVED MAHOGANY SERPENTINE-FRONT CHEST-OF-DRAWERS
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, 1770-1790

With rectangular molded top with serpentine front above a conforming case with four cockbeaded graduated long drawers over a molded base supported by ogee bracket feet, appears to retain original brasses, (slight repairs to feet, top and veneer)--34in. high, 37½in. wide, 20¾in. deep

Provenance

Israel Sack, Inc.
Sotheby's, January 28, 1984, lot 804

Literature

American Antiques from the Israel Sack Collection, vol. V (1974), p. 1258, P4232
Albert Sack, The New Fine Points of Furniture (New York, 1993), p. ?

Lot Essay

The dynamic visual effects of this chest are achieved through the use of matched oyster veneered drawer fronts and the exaggerated serpentine facade which flares outward through the extended peaks of the top and the built-up ends of each drawer. The sweep of the feet with softly rounded shoulders and elevated pads further enhance the robust, lively quality of this chest-of-drawers.

For related serpentine-front chests with similar feet see Sack, American Furniture from the Israel Sack Collection vol. 1 (1969), p. 172, no. 453; Sotheby's, January 30-February 1, 1986, no. 233.