Chest

William Searle|the Searle-Dennis shop tradition|Thomas Dennis

1670–90 · Red oak, white oak · The American Wing

Chests stored clothes, linens, table coverings, and other household items. The most richly ornamented joined chests produced in North America during the seventeenth century are those attributed to the Ipswich joiners, William Searle (d. 1667) and Thomas Dennis (1638–1706). Both acquired their florid style as apprentices in County Devon, England. Characteristics of the Searle-Dennis school on this chest include S-scrolls on the stiles and lower rail, interlocking lunettes on the top rail, and low-relief carving on the front panels.

Artist

William Searle|the Searle-Dennis shop tradition|Thomas Dennis

Date

1670–90

Medium

Red oak, white oak

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909