Images(2)

Dressing Table

Date1760-1790

Possibly by Nicholas Bernard (d. 1789)

Possibly by Martin Jugiez

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany, tulip poplar, and white cedar

DimensionsOH: 28 7/8"; OW: 34 3/4"; PD: 20"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1990-295

DescriptionAppearance: Dressing table with rectangular overhanging top with molded edges supported by cove molding over geometric blind fret around front and sides; one long drawer above three small drawers of unequal size; center small drawer carved with recessed shell with central rosette and oak leaves and applied foliate motifs around drawer; quarter columns carved with trailing vine of flowers; unevenly scalloped skirt with larger scallops under center shell drawer; cabriole legs with foliate carving on knees and knee blocks with pendant bellflowers descending legs over ball and claw feet. Long drawer has original pair of bail and rosette brass drawer pulls and inset escutcheon, small side drawers have one bail and rosette pull each, center drawer has a knob in center of shell.

Construction:
Back, sides, and bottom front rails are tenoned and pegged to tops of legs; medial front rail/drawer blade is tenoned to legs; upper front rail is tenoned or in dovetail in top of legs; carved quarter columns are integral with legs but capitals and bases are separate and are glued into recessed cut into the legs; table top with integral molded front and side edges is attached to sides, front, and back with rectangular glue blocks; cove molding, blind fret, and bead glued and in some places nailed to case sides and front top rail; L shaped upper side drawer supports and guides are notched around the rear leg and nailed to the front and rear legs; L shaped lower side drawer guides are notched around both front and rear legs and nailed to same; replaced or added board nailed to tops of legs near top on proper left side to prevent drawer from tipping when open; vertical drawer dividers tenoned through medial front rail and tenoned into lower front rail; full height and depth drawer guide tongue and groove joined and nailed to rear of vertical drawer divider and in dado in backboard and nailed from rear; drawer support, wider than guide, nailed to underside of guide providing support for center and side drawers; similar board nailed to top of guide to prevent drawers from tipping when open; knee blocks glued to side of leg and underside of front rail and sides; foliate carving around shell on central drawer glued to facade, shell carved from drawer front.

Drawers have standard dovetail construction; front to back oriented cedar bottom boards are chamfered around the front and sides and in rabbets in the sides and possibly a dado in the front; long runners are nailed to the bottom along the sides and front and miter cut at rear; top edges of sides are slightly rounded; original brass hardware and iron lock on large drawer.

Label TextThe abundant carving on this table was likely done by the carving and gilding firm of Nicholas Bernard and Martin Jugiez. In partnership from about 1762 until the 1780s, the team supplied carved work to both cabinetmakers and builders.
ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of Reginald Lewis, Easton, MD
Purchased by donors from Joe Kindig, Jr. & Son in 1987

Exhibition(s)