Chest-on-chest

A masterpiece of American furniture, this is likely the "Case of mahogany drawers $55" listed in the inventory as being in "Madame Derby's" bedchamber. The carving is indicative of McIntire's late career, when his skills were at their height. The central basket brimming with flowers and the allegorical figure of America appear elsewhere in his carving, as do the urns, which relate to his carving above the door in the Oak Hill parlor. Elizabeth Derby's interest in the neoclassical style, in symbols of America, and in preserving the traditions of her distinguished family is clear in this chest. The overall form-inspired by eighteenth-century, Rococo case furniture-also relates to other examples of this form purchased from Boston and Salem craftsmen by members of the Derby family. 

This chest-on-chest-the most extraordinary and spectacular of the furniture commissions by Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby and his wife-was probably made for their daughter Elizabeth, who married Nathaniel West in 1783 (see page 2.22).Most of the superb carving on the piece is attributed to Samuel McIntire, the Salem architect and carver. For many years, the chest has been linked to a bill from McIntire to Elizabeth Derby West, dated 1796 and specifying £3.3.0 worth of carving for a "Case Drawers" made by a Mr. Lemon. The Museum's chest-on-chest, however, includes much more carving than the bill itemizes, and in style it closely resembles McIntire's work from a wide time span. The cornucopia, baskets of fruit, flower vases, grapes, draped putti, and other ornaments that enrich the top, bottom, and sides of the piece are similar to McIntire's mature carving style found on furniture and interiors from 1793 to 1805 or later, including Oak Hill, built about 1800-1801 for Elizabeth Derby West, and the Gardner-Pingree house in Salem, built about 1804. Standing proudly atop this masterpiece is a rare allegorical figure, interpreted by scholars variously as representing Nike or the virtues of the new America. She clutches a laurel wreath in her right hand and a pike in her left, and her bosom is ornamented with a golden sun. Based on a close analysis of its style and workmanship, the figure is currently attributed to a journeyman in the noted Boston workshop operated by the Skillin family of shipcarvers. This text was adapted from Ward, et al., MFA Highlights: American Decorative Arts & Sculpture (Boston, 2006) available at www.mfashop.com/mfa-publications.html.