CHEST OF DRAWERS
Walnut with lightwood string inlay and escutcheons
Augusta County, Virginia
Circa 1800
37 ¾ tall, 21” deep, 38 ¼” wide
Commentary: This straightforward rendition of the emerging neoclassical style by a rural artisan can be attributed to Augusta County in the central portion of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It exhibits craftsmanship, materials and styling that are characteristic of the area. The bold shaping of the bracket feet, returns and side skirts are particularly distinctive and suggestive of the chest’s origins beyond the stylistic restraints of urban shops.
The dovetailed drawers are graduated with chamfered bottoms set into routed sides and nailed at the back with rose head nails. The drawer runners are mortised into the dividers and nailed into the case sides. The principal secondary wood is thick, southern yellow pine.
The chest retains its original feet and blocking. The brasses appear to be original.
Condition: The chest is in very good condition with minor repairs and replacements commensurate with age and use. The surface appears to date from the mid twentieth century.
SOLD
