Chest of drawers

Art Historical Context

This elegant chest of drawers, crafted by The Symonds Shop between 1675 and 1700, stands as a prime example of early colonial American furniture. Housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan of Art, it was generously gifted by Mrs. Russell Sage in1909. During this period, skilled artisans in New England workshops like Symonds' produced sturdy, functional pieces inspired by English precedents, essential for growing colonial households where storage was at a premium. Constructed from a harmonious blend of native woods—red oak,, cedar, maple, white pine—the chest measures an impressive 43 x 46 x 21 inches (109.2 x 116.8 x 53.3 cm). This diverse selection highlights the woodworkers' expertise in joinery and selection of materials for durability and visual contrast, with denser woods like walnut for strength and lighter pines for secondary elements. Such multifaceted construction techniques underscored the shop's reputation for high-quality, bespoke furnishings. Culturally, this piece illuminates 17th-century American life, blending practicality with emerging refinement. It served as both a utilitarian repository for linens and valuables and a symbol of prosperity, reflecting the transatlantic exchange of design in the New World. Visitors will appreciate its timeless form and the story it tells of America's budding decorative arts tradition.