Chest of drawers, 1765
John Townsend (American, 1733–1809)
Newport, Rhode Island
Mahogany, white pine, chestnut, tulip poplar; 34 1/2 x 37 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. (87.6 x 95.3 x 52.7 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1927 (27.57.1)
Technical Glossary
John Townsend (American, 1733–1809)
Newport, Rhode Island
Mahogany, white pine, chestnut, tulip poplar; 34 1/2 x 37 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. (87.6 x 95.3 x 52.7 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1927 (27.57.1)
John Townsend was perhaps the greatest master of block-and-shell furniture, the signature style of Rhode Island cabinetmakers. This chest is one of eight known case pieces that he signed or labeled. Two of the pieces, including this one, are dated 1765; the others date from around 1790, suggesting how long-lived this style was. All are remarkably alike in overall design, decorative detail, and construction.
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Related Index Terms
Artist
Material and Technique
- • Wood, Furniture
- • Wood, Furniture, North America
- • Wood, organized by type
- • Wood, organized by type, Chestnut
- • Wood, organized by type, Mahogany
- • Wood, organized by type, Pine
- • Wood, organized by type, Poplar
Object
Technical Glossary
- • Chestnut
- • Mahogany
- • tulip poplar
- • white pine
