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AF-7.26.5, Arch
Arched architrave from the Benjamin Powell House
AF-7.26.5, Arch

Arched architrave from the Benjamin Powell House

Datecirca 1820
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg, Benjamin Powell House
MediumWood: machine-sawn and planed; Paint: several layers (earliest is tan)
Dimensions8 3/4" W x 2'-2 3/4" H x 7'-1/4" L
Object numberAF-7.26.5
DescriptionElliptical archivolt (arched architrave) with reeded molding inside the key block at top center and reeded soffit; obverse face painted cream over light green; obverse face has two rows of ornament, including outer row of cut-out molded continuous edging with fillet and inner of row of similar but smaller molding; reverse face is painted dark green and has one row of ornament identical to obvers; missing one tenon joint (approx. 8'-6" x 3-1/4") and surrounding molding; part of this missing molding is attached to top of AF-7.26.6; two (2) wire nails project from green painted face; associated with AF-7.26.6 thru AF-7.26.9; all fragments associated with same feature in SW Room, 1st Floor and removed at same time from east wall of SW Room, 1st Floor (formerly bedchamber and bathroom)


Label TextThis neoclassic or Federal style arch was added to the southwest first floor room of Williamsburg's Benjamin Powell House during an early 19th-century remodeling of the structure. It was removed during the restoration of that structure to its 18th-century appearance. The woodwork has been repainted to its period one color based on microscopic paint analysis.
InscribedWritten in black ink on interior face, next to small paint sample: "BP / 26"; written in black ink on interior face, next to small paint sample: "BP / 27"
ProvenanceBenjamin Powell House