Greetings,
When we see fine furniture that we love, we cannot help but reflect on not only the talent and ideas of the makers, but also a long and rigid apprenticeship which taught skills of design and workmanship. The best cabinet-men created objects that are as much art or sculpture as they are furniture. This Queen Anne highboy reflects the many skills of a maker in Connecticut who knew line as well as carving skill and who developed this piece in the most attractive way. He was emphasizing verticality of mass and employing graceful arches from the legs, apron, and fans, up to the pediment. He used the same proportions from classic architecture that have been the mainstays of design through history creating his own statement in this fine result.
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This cherry bonnet top Queen Anne highboy, circa 1740-90, will be a distinctively American piece for your rooms. It represents a peak in design in this 18th century New England form with its excellent overall proportion and style executed in a beautiful American wood. The attenuated arches of the "broken pediment" frame a tympanum holding the upper fan- carved box drawer. Short drawers flank this above four long drawers, all with molded edges, above the separate lower case which shows its own well carved fan above a cupid's bow apron with a central reverse block emphasizing verticality to receive the lower fan.
The full height slender cabriole legs with scrolled supports are most graceful and have well styled pad feet and carrying the case in fine proportion.
Condition separates this piece from others with all major components still intact and sound. Expected minor repairs are unobtrusive and well done. The brasses are largely period and a later set.
Height 80", width of upper case 35", extreme width 39", overall depth 21". The primary wood is cherry and the secondary is pine.
This charming piece will distinguish your favorite room and reflect your keen interest and appreciation of the best in the history of American design.
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