Credence (chest)
Unknown Artist
mid-19th century
Medium
Walnut
Dimensions
H. 68 cm, W. 36.7 cm, D. 63 cm
Classification
Woodwork-Furniture
Culture
French
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2019
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant *Credence (chest)*, crafted in walnut by an unknown French artisan in the mid-19th, exemplifies the refined woodwork of its era. Standing at 68 cm high, with a narrow width of 36.7 cm and depth of 63 cm, it served as a compact sideboard or cupboard, traditionally used to display silverware, hold serving dishes, or store valuables in dining spaces. The choice of walnut—a durable, richly grained hardwood prized for its warm tones and polishability—highlights the technical mastery of French cabinetmakers, who often veneered or carved it to accentuate natural beauty and intricate deta...