400 outstanding examples of American furniture from the Queen Anne and Chippendale periods in the Winterthur Museum, representing the era when the cabinetmakers of New England, New York, Philadelphia, and the South were at the height of their achievement. Each illustration is accompanied by information about the pieces place of origin, date of construction, dimensions, special features and qualities, and the maker and original owner when known.
This publication documents The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of early colonial furniture and presents a broad spectrum of furniture forms made in America during the 17th and early 18th centuries, including chairs and other seating, tables, boxes, various types of chests and cupboards, dressing tables, and desks. The volume also includes prime examples of the different modes of ornamentation in fashion during that period. Over 140 objects are thoroughly described, with detailed information given on each one's construction, condition, dimensions, materials, and inscriptions and other marks, as well as provenance and exhibition history. Every object is explained in terms of the styles and craftsmanship of the period and evaluated in light of comparative pieces in public and private collections throughout the country. Also included is one appendix containing photographic details of construction and decorative elements, and another with line drawings explaining furniture terms and showing various types of joints and moldings. This is the first volume in a series of two that is dedicated to American furniture in the Museum. -- Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
From among the world-renowned treasures at the Winterthur Museum, the author selected 400 outstanding examples of American furniture from the Queen Anne and Chippendale periods, representing the era when the cabinetmakers of New England, New York, Philadelphia, and the South were at the height of their achievement. Each illustration is accompanied by information about the pieces place of origin, date of construction, dimensions, special features and qualities, and the maker and original owner when known. A special section presents the furniture in its proper environment, including ten rooms in full colour. There is technical information for the serious collector and a highly readable history for those interested in the early-American way of life.--Amazon.com.
While demonstrating the high level of artistry attained by furniture-makers of the period, this selection in many ways reflects the evolving character of domestic life in America during a seminal period in the country's history.
The incomparable Winterthur Museum collection of beautiful and distinct Federal period American furniture is described and illustrated in this book, first published in 1978. Todays printing technology makes this book even more stunning, presenting beautiful photos of 491 pieces. The text explores the maker, place of origin, size, materials, dimensions, details of design and, most importantly, an evaluation of the merits of each piece. It is a history of the entire process of furniture making in Federal America. This is a classic encyclopedia for Federal period furniture enthusiasts, and a mine of information for everyone interested in the social and cultural history of the formative years of the United States.
Step-by-step instructions, illustrations for constructing handsome, useful pieces, among them a Sheraton desk, Chippendale chair, Spanish desk, Queen Anne table, and a William and Mary dressing mirror.
"American Furniture, 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art show early American furniture participated in an international visual language. This volume provides an important resource for scholars of American furniture, illuminates the cultural and mercantile life of the fledgling nation, and offers a lively introduction to the donors, curators, and personalities who have shaped the institution from its earliest days to the present"--
Drawing on the latest scholarship, this comprehensive, lavishly illustrated survey tells the story of the evolution of American furniture from the 17th century to the present. Not viewed in isolation, furniture is placed in its broader cultural, historic, and aesthetic context. The focus is not only on the urban masterpieces of 18th century William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Federal styles but also on the work of numerous rural cabinetmakers. Special chapters explore Windsor chairs, Shaker, and Pennsylvania German furniture which do not follow the mainstream style progression. Picturesque and anti-classical explain Victorian furniture including Rococo, Renaissance, and Eastlake. Mission and Arts and Crafts furniture introduce the 20th century. Another chapter identifies the eclectic revivals such as Early American that dominated the mass market throughout much of the 20th century. After World War II American designers created many of the Mid-Century Modern icons that are much sought after by collectors today. The rise of studio furniture and furniture as art which include some of the most creative and imaginative furniture produced in the 20th and 21st centuries caps the review of four centuries of American furniture. A final chapter advises on how to evaluate the authenticity of both traditional and modern furniture and how to preserve it for posterity. With over 800 photos including 24 pages of color, this fully illustrated text is the authoritative reference work.
