High post bedstead

Date1790-1810

MediumMahogany, maple, yellow pine, tulip poplar, Spanish mahogany

DimensionsOH: 83 1/2"; OW: 55"; OD: 77 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-155, 1-9

DescriptionHigh post bedstead comprised of four posts with pins inserted at tops to secure wooden frame, or "tester". Headposts "pencil" in shape; flare out to square below headboard and just above rails; taper to base; end in Marlborough feet. Headboard plain, with indented upper corners. Head and foot rails plain, with rebate (for cloth) on underside of foot rail. Side rails with bead molding along upper and lower outer edges; upper inner edges slotted every 3 3/4" for slats. Footposts round at top, flare slightly to ring-turning about 8" from top; below is plain turned area, a smaller ring turning, and then a large expanse of fluting, the post expanding gradually in circumference towards base. Below is twist-carved urn, ring-turning, plain vase turning, and ring-turned plinth. Below this, leg is square in section (just above rails); tapers slightly; ends in Marlborough feet.

Woods: Mahogany; secondary woods: Maple (side rails and applied Marlborough feet); Southern yellow pine (headboard); Tulip poplar (head rail); Spanish mahogany (foot rail).
MarkingsNone (except for usual numerals near mortices & tenons of stiles and rails).
ProvenanceThe bedstead has a history of coming from a home called "Breezeway" in Lightfoot, VA, owned by the Farthing family at least from the period of the Civil War.