Artwork Page for Sideboard

Details / Information for Sideboard

Sideboard

c. 1855

attributed to Joseph Alexis Bailly

(American, 1825–1883)
Culture
America, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia?, 19th century
Medium
walnut
Measurements
Overall: 290.4 x 211.4 x 69.4 cm (114 5/16 x 83 1/4 x 27 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1985.72
Public Domain
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Location
207 American Realism
Print
?

Did You Know?

Luscious fruit, wild animals, and Native American figures are masterfully carved into this walnut sideboard. These decorative adornments were created for a distinctively American taste and would have symbolized abundance and wealth to visitors who encountered it within a grand dining room.

Description

Newly acquired wealth from railroad production, manufacturing, and an expanded economy produced a new elite class of Americans who looked abroad for sources of decoration to adorn their lives. Grand, baronial furniture, reminiscent of German hunting lodges or French castles, became popular during the mid 1800s among America’s wealthy. Elaborate displays of abundance were reflected in the carvings of flora, fauna, and freshly hunted game. The depictions of Native American hunters on this example, most likely made in Philadelphia, may have meant that this piece was displayed at one of the many international expositions that occurred during this period.
A large brown wood cabinet features detailed carvings of fruits. At the top center is a carving of a dead deer surrounded by other dead animals. At each side of the cabinet is a sculpture of a Native American hunter leaning against the cabinet.

Sideboard

c. 1855

Joseph Alexis Bailly

(American, 1825–1883)
America, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia?, 19th century

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