Dressing Table

Gallery 103, American Art, first floor (Miller/Worley Gallery)

Main Building

Dressing Table

1765-1775

Artist/maker unknown, American

While the bed chambers of chic early Philadelphia houses often featured a high chest (for storing textiles; 1957-129-1) and dressing table (for cosmetics and hair accessories; 2012-59-1), this pairing represents the pinnacle of design, cabinetmaking, and carved ornament. The raised space underneath the high chest distinguishes it as a confection of North America since the British had abandoned that design by the 1730s.

While most high chests and dressing tables fit within well-defined groups, the proportions and shaping of the rails and the legs of this pairing relate to only one other dressing table, making it difficult to identify the maker. The choice mahogany, with an even surface and swirling figure, signifies the status of the commission. And a highly skilled carver ornamented it profusely—most conspicuously with a narrative from Aesop’s fable of “The Fox and the Grapes” on the central bottom drawers. Aesop’s moralistic tales were the only fiction Quakers were allowed to read.

Gallery 103, American Art, first floor (Miller/Worley Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

Dressing Table

Date:

1765-1775

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, American

Medium:

Mahogany, tulip poplar, white cedar, yellow pine; brass

Dimensions:

29 7/8 x 35 x 23 1/4 inches (75.9 x 88.9 x 59.1 cm)

Classification:

Furniture/Furnishings

Credit Line:

Purchased with funds contributed by Leslie A. Miller and Richard B. Worley, Kathy and Ted Fernberger, The Ballinger Bequest, Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest,, Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran, Lyn M. Ross, The Carey Bequest, an anonymous donor, Sarah Miller Coulson, Donna C. and Morris W. Stroud II, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Vogel III, Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Booth, Jr., Dr. Salvatore M. Valenti, Peggy Cooke, Hannah L. Henderson, George M. and Linda H. Kaufman, Lawrence H. and Julie C. Berger, Sis Grenald, Hollie and Jamie Holt, David and Margaret Langfitt, Richard Wood Snowden, and other generous individuals, the Lynford Starr Bequest for American Decorative Art, the Lea Fund, the E. Beatty Acquisition Fund, the Saul/O’Keefe Fund for American Furniture Acquisition, the Center for American Art Fund, and with funds from the proceeds of the sale of deaccessioned works of art, 2012

Accession Number:

2012-59-1

Geography:

Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Context:

Period: Colonial

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 103, American Art, first floor (Miller/Worley Gallery)

Main Building

Museum map