Chest
Artist unknown
c. 1710
Medium
Oak with white pine
Dimensions
82.5 × 122.5 × 48.2 cm (33 1/2 × 48 1/4 × 19 in.)
Classification
case furniture
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
59450
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Intended to store valuable linens, plates, and other goods, this probably served as a dower chest that a young woman brings to her new home upon her marriage. The front of the chest features an elaborate tulip, vine, and heart design intended to reinforce the theme of love. The tulip motif appeared frequently on English textiles, ceramics, and furniture, and it was brought to the American colonies through the immigration of English craftsmen. The tulip, which originated in ancient Persia, symbol...