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Chest of drawers

John Townsend American
1765
Not on view
The voluptuous shells and shapely blocked drawer fronts of this bureau table, referred to as block-and-shell, became closely associated with　cabinetmakers in Newport. Townsend expertly sawed and carved down thick mahogany boards to shape the drawer fronts and applied shells. The fashion for mahogany furniture in Europe and the Americas caused irreparable ecological damage to the Caribbean islands as vast forests　were cleared to supply the trade and cultivate cash crops like sugar.　

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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chest of drawers
  • Maker: John Townsend (1732–1809)
  • Date: 1765
  • Geography: Made in Newport, Rhode Island, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Mahogany, tulip poplar, pine, chestnut
  • Dimensions: 34 1/2 x 37 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. (87.6 x 95.3 x 52.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1927
  • Object Number: 27.57.1
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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Card table, John Townsend American, Mahogany, maple, chestnut, tulip poplar, American
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Desk and bookcase, Mahogany, chestnut, white pine, yellow pine, yellow poplar, cedar; brass, American
Desk and bookcase
American
1760–90
High chest of drawers, Black walnut, maple, red cedar, white pine,<br/>chestnut, poplar, American
High chest of drawers
American
1715–35
Drop-leaf dining table, John Townsend American, Mahogany, maple, American
Drop-leaf dining table
John Townsend
1756
Embroidered Picture, Mary Wright American, Linen embroidered with wool and silk thread, American
Embroidered Picture
Mary Wright
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