MASSACHUSETTS, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Exhibiting elaborately curving drawers and bold ball-and-claw feet, this Chippendale mahogany serpentine chest of drawers represents the highest style of a form popularized in the late eighteenth century. The construction of its case and drawers is characteristic of Massachusetts cabinetmaking practices, as are the use of white pine and the execution of the feet. The outset rounded corners of this chest are particularly unusual and distinguish it further from other serpentine examples. Four serpentine chests with similarly embellished tops and dynamic feet are illustrated in Sack, American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection (New York) vol. VIII, P5787; vol. I, No. 326, vol. V, P4393 and vol. IX, P6194.