| Object ID |
1989.79 |
| Object Name |
Sideboard |
| Dimensions |
H-40 W-62 D-28 inches |
| Early Date |
1795 |
| Late Date |
1800 |
| Made By |
Julius Barnard or Herman or Elijah Pomroy |
| Description |
This rare, bow-front sideboard was made for Allen Hayes (1756-1846) and Sophia West (1778-1846) of Windsor, Vermont about the time of their 1798 wedding. Sophisticated in design and execution, it illustrates the high level of cabinetmaking achieved in Vermont before 1800. Called commode or bow-front during the period, the shape is derived from Boston furniture and features many hallmarks generally associated with eastern Massachusetts cabinetwork. Yet, a few elements indicate that the sideboard was not made in the Boston area. The secondary stock is very thick, and cherry (instead of pine) is used for several of the drawer dividers. The indented cuffs of the feet are unusual and appear to have been an attempt to create a spade foot. Although the inlays are extremely sophisticated in both concept and execution, the maker applied three of the four shell paterae (probably ordered from Boston) facing left, and one facing right. Finally, the banding around the top edge continues only two-thirds of the way around the sides, another instance of the frugality characteristic of Vermont cabinetmaking and indicating that the sideboard was intended for a niche.
Fully developed Vermont sideboards of this configuration, essential to the stylish dining rooms of the neoclassical era, do not survive in large numbers, although they were advertised by cabinetmakers quite frequently. However, a later variant of this form, the half sideboard, enjoyed wide popularity in the state during the following decades. |
| Credit |
Gift of Miss Harriet. Storer |
|
