Thomas Chippendale Artist's Chest

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Thomas Chippendale Artist's Chest

About the Item

This magnificent George II writing chest was crafted by the legendary cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale. A metamorphic table, the top drawer slides out to reveal a green felted writing station. The timber on this piece is the finest quality Cuban mahogany, and Chippendale’s innovative and signature red wash has preserved the timber to near perfection. The exquisite "Artist's chest" features all the hallmarks of Georgian style, and seldom does one come across a piece of furniture such as this that embodies all of the most important design elements of its era crafted by a master's hand. Mahogany became the preferred medium for fine English furniture beginning in the mid-18th century. Cabinetmakers prized it for its hardness, stability and dynamic grain configuration. The wood displayed an unrivaled brilliance, especially in refined Georgian-period designs in which the natural grain and color of the timber speak for themselves. In 1733, the removal of the import taxes on mahogany made the material easier to obtain, yet it was still the most expensive lumber of the period, a trend that continued well into the 19th century. Chippendale’s utilization of the most handsome timbers with rich, warm patinas, coupled with his uncanny flair for emphasizing the natural beauty of the wood, sets his creations in a class of their own. The talent and genius of Thomas Chippendale's designs dominated the furniture styles of the 18th century. He was the first person to boast such a strong following that an entire style bears his name and not that of a monarch. The son of a Yorkshire cabinetmaker, Chippendale quickly excelled in the family business. By the age of 36, he owned a series of workshops throughout England and an expansive timber yard for harvesting the finest woods. Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinetmaker's Director, propelled the craftsman into the international spotlight. This modest craftsman soon counted among his distinguished clientele countless members of nobility and society, including Catherine II of Russia and famed actor David Garrick. He also obtained substantial contracts with the noble houses of Nostell Priory, Harewood House, Burton Constable, Ayrshire and Kent, some of which still house many of his finest pieces in their private collections. Today, the name Chippendale invokes images of refined taste and unparalleled elegance. Considering his utilization of the most handsome timbers with rich, warm patinas, coupled with his uncanny flair for emphasizing the natural beauty of the wood, it is no wonder pieces such as this rare chest of drawers are so treasured by collectors. Chippendale's designs for this chest can be found in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1762, plate LXXIII as "Writing table" and in Christopher Gilbert's The Life & Work of Thomas Chippendale, plate 397 as "Artist's table." Circa 1760 34 5/8" high x 36 1/8" wide x 20 5/8" deep.

Creator:
Thomas Chippendale (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 34.63 in (87.97 cm)Width: 36.13 in (91.78 cm)Depth: 20.63 in (52.41 cm)
Style:
Chippendale (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Felt,Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1760
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-52651stDibs: LU891131981482