BALTIMORE, 1790-1810

This chest, distinguished by its vibrant veneers and the bold serpentine shaping of the façade, is representative of the stylish furniture made in Baltimore at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The dynamic oval veneer panels with herringbone inlay, set against diagonally-laid fields of mahogany veneer, create a distinctive appearance and one typical of the shop of William Camp (w.1801-1822). A dynamic chest-on-cabinet attributed to William Camp (see fig. 1) demonstrates similar oval veneer patterns and is in the Eleanor S. Cohen Collection of the Maryland Historical Society.

Serpentine-front chests are uncommon, particularly in comparison to the more frequently seen reverse-serpentine shape.