Chest-Over-Drawer

About this artwork

This chest belongs to a group of furniture attributed to drum maker and joiner Robert Crosman, who likely learned the furniture-making trade from family members. The piece's simple plank construction is characteristic of Crosman's work. Although the flat top is undecorated, a white tree with ocher leaves and red flowering buds, and four birds surround the initials "H B" on the central panel. Early painted chests were likely made for young women as dowry vessels. The inclusion of women's initials...