Pennsylvania German Painted and Decorated Chest over Three Drawers

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About the Item

This is a handsome and notable Pennsylvania German painted and decorated dower chest, probably from Northumberland County. The front of the case has a central medallion, bordered in turquoise and pumpkin paint, enclosing and encircled by delicate dotted buds. The inscription within this reserve reads, “Barbara Kerstettern anno 1799 den 22Ten Tag Mert” (Barbara Kerstetter, the 22nd day of March 1799). This circular design is flanked by floral arrangements in urns, including stylized tulips and pumpkins. There is no perceptible decoration on the sides, though there may once have been. The lower section of the case has three original drawers which lock with (replaced) wooden pegs from the inside of the well. This, combined with the absence of any hardware adds security by mimicking faux drawers. The lid is a replacement, a period piece adjusted in size to fit this chest. It lifts to reveal a candle box or till on the inside left. Similarly the iron strap hinges are period but not original to the lid or the chest. The left hand side base molding is replaced. Genealogical and historical information relating to the Kerstetter family or families is easily found, particularly in the records of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, to which the Kerstetters migrated in the mid-18th century. It should not be difficult to identify this particular Barbara Kerstetter. This chest spent at least some time in the workshop of the late Maryland master cabinetmaker and restorer, James L. Beachley, one of the best craftsmen in America. His stamp appears behind the right hand side base molding. We do not suggest he worked on the chest but consider it a testament to the quality of this piece that he may have been considering doing so. A chest over two drawers, painted by the same artist, with unmistakably similar design and execution, inscribed in the same way to Elizabeth Kniss, dated 1798, was exhibited in the Pennsylvania Building at the Sesqui-Centennial in Philadelphia in 1926. It is illustrated with a photograph taken at that exhibition in “Pennsylvania Folk-Art: An Interpretation” (1948) p. 259, by John Joseph Stoudt. That chest was sold at auction at Freeman’s of Market Street, Philadelphia, on April 13, 2011.

Dimensions:
Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 53 in (134.62 cm)Depth: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Pine,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
dated 1799
Condition:
Replacements made: Lid was replaced by an unknown craftsman at some time in the past. Wear consistent with age and use. In generally very good condition with wear consistent with age and use. Lid is replaced. All decorative paint is original. See images and description for details, including information regarding provenance.
Seller Location:
Baltimore, MD
Reference Number:
Seller: BK011stDibs: LU881518197471

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