High post bedstead

Date1770-1790

MediumMahogany, ash or chestnut, and deal (fir or spruce)

DimensionsOH: 106 1/4"; OL: 70 3/4"; OW: 73 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Jerome C. Neuhoff.

Object number1961-105,1-8

DescriptionHigh post bedstead. Footposts tapering and cylindrical at top above a collar of egg and dart molding; below molding is a short, chanelled section carved with heads of wheat at bottom, above a beaded, cylindrical molding; central section of post tapering and fluted and wrapped in a continuous band of carved ribbonwork; central section bordered at bottom with a series of geometric moldings; lower section of post vase-turned carved with anthemions on either side, surrounded by leafage; vase turning banded below by a spiral twist molding above a broad, plain concave collar and a broad cylindrical egg and dart molding; slightly above rail leg becomes square in section and terminates in applied, molded "Marlboro" foot with recessed caster; tapering headposts, "square" in section with casters attached to bottom of feet; all four rails, rectantular in section with scrolled additions attached to underside of each corner; side rails notched to receive slats, head and foot rails each have pair of notches to receive longitudinal braces; high projecting painted cornice.

1961-105, 9-11: High, projecting bedstead cornice with molded edges on sides and foot of bed; lower, flat surface of cornice painted with leafy scroll in tones of green and yellow on a dark green ground; curved upper surface painted with running band of laurel leaves in same colors; all molded edges of cornice painted dark red.

Woods: Foot posts - Mahogany; rails and headposts - ash or chestnut; cornice - painted deal (fir or spruce)
MarkingsRoman numeral construction marks (on bedstead)