RHODE ISLAND, 1740-1760

With its graceful cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet and use of chestnut secondary woods, this high chest illustrates hallmarks of Rhode Island design and construction preferences of the eighteenth century. The configuration and design of the lower case, however, diverges from standard regional practices. Most unusual is the presence of two long drawers, rather than three short drawers with or without a long drawer above. Also, the skirt varies from the norm with the pronounced lobes flanked by ogee passages instead of inverted arcs and the central circular motif appears to be a vestigal reference to the more standard plinth with turned drop. A related skirt with similar ogee shaping is seen on the lower case of a high chest noted to have associated upper and lower cases (see the Rhode Island Furniture Archive at the Yale University Art Gallery, RIF5938).