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Chest of Drawers

about 1735–40
Object PlaceVenice, Italy
Medium/TechniqueGilded pine, gilt metal, marble top
DimensionsOverall: 86.4 x 167.6 x 76.2 cm (34 x 66 x 30 in.)
Other (marble top greatest dimensions): 134.6 x 57.2 cm (53 x 22 1/2 in.)
Credit LineBequest of Susan Greene Dexter in memory of Charles and Martha Babcock Amory
Accession number25.76
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsFurniture
Collections
Description
This chest's exaggerated swelling shape and its carved decoration of asymmetrical scrolls are characteristic of Venetian rococo furniture of the mid-18th century. Venetian furniture of this period was typically painted with brightly-colored varnishes or gilded to match the overall scheme of the interior decoration.
Provenance1925, bequest of Susan Greene Amory (Mrs. Franklin Gordon) Dexter (b. 1840 - d. 1924), Boston, to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 24, 1925)
Detail: Center
Josef Effner
about 1730
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about 1730
Side table
early 20th century
Bedside stand
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1804–09
about 1825
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About 1740–60
Center table
J. & J. W. Meeks
about 1849
Secretaire a Abattant
about 1850–80
Console table
Adam Weisweiler
about 1785
Commode
Gilles Joubert
about 1735