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Wardrobe
Franz Mayer Collection
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Philadelphia High Chest of Drawers
Bayou Bend Collection
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In Mexico
Wardrobes replaced the earlier tradition of portable furniture.
Wardrobes allowed people to keep their clothes well-organized
and safe from damage.
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In the
British colonies
High chests of drawers were more popular in the colonies
than in England. Elaborate Philadelphia high chests from the 18th
century are among the greatest achievements of colonial American
furniture makers.
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Decoration
This wardrobe is decorated with a complex, active pattern of inlaid
woods. The geometric designs recall the influence of Islamic art.
The molding at the top of the piece is curved as the skirt across
the bottom of the piece. Curved legs end in ball and claw feet.
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Decoration
This high chest is decorated with elements inspired by architecture.
Quarter columns flank the upper drawers. At the top are a cornice
and a broken and scrolled pediment that recalls door frames of
the period. Fretwork fills the space between the pediment and
the top of the chest. Note the shell at the bottom, the curved
legs, and the ball and claw feet.
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