High Chest of Drawers

Unknown

1715–30 · Black walnut, white pine · The American Wing

The high chest of drawers was introduced to the colonies in the 1690s and became the primary form of case furniture in the William and Mary style. This imposing piece, with its bold, fluted pilasters on the front and sides and dramatic projections in the entablature at the top and mid-moldings, was strongly influenced by classical architecture as set forth in the books of Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) and introduced in England by the architect Inigo Jones (1573-1652). It may have belonged to Edward Holyoke (b. 1689), who served as president of Harvard College from 1737 to 1769.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1715–30

Medium

Black walnut, white pine

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Clarence Dillon, 1975