Corner cupboard

Date1745-1765

MediumYellow pine and glass

DimensionsOH: 96" OW: 50 1/2" OD: 19 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-293

DescriptionCorner cupboard in one piece with canted front corners; molded cornice above a pair of doors each glazed with ten panes separated by molded mullions; upper panes arched at top; doors open to reveal four triangular shelves with serpentine front edges; canted corners decorated with a series of applied fluted pilasters separated by applied moldings with an unusual vase-shaped capitol at top; upper section separated from lower section by a band of massive stepped moldings; lower section has a pair of doors each with central arched, fielded panel; doors open to reveal a single shelf with a serpentine front edge; substantial, plain molded base and bracket feet; repainted in Prussian blue and white based on paint analysis.
Label TextCase furniture from Virginia's Eastern Shore (Accomac and Northampton Counties) is highly architectural in appearance and it is usualy composed and assembled in much the same way that house paneling is joined and installed. in fact many of the more unusual panel configurations and moldings encountered on Eastern Shore furniture have direct correlations to that area's surviving interior woodwork. Clearly some of the same craftsmen were producing both kinds of work.
InscribedIllegible painted inscription on right backboard.
ProvenanceIn 1968 Mr. & Mrs. Jowel of Richmond told CWF curator Milo Neave that they puchased this cupboard in Hingham, Massachusetts "many years ago". They sold it to John Christoffel from whom CWF purchased it.