Chest of Drawers

Place of OriginMarblehead, Massachusetts

Dateabout 1760-1780

DimensionsH: 33 in. (83.8 cm); W: 35 3/4 in. (90.7 cm); Depth: 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)

MediumMahogany and pine

ClassificationFurniture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin S. Kobacker

Object number

1986.51

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 29

Label TextThe curved shape of the sides and front of this chest used for storing linens is known as bombé, from the French word for “rounded.” The distinctive shape became popular in England in the 1720s and quickly caught on in the Massachusetts Colony. Rather than bending thin pieces of wood, the maker cut thick pieces of wood into curved shapes. This method required more expensive mahogany imported from the Caribbean than a straight-sided chest would, indicating that the owner spared no expense when furnishing his home. Sought after as an expression of wealth, the bombé form remained popular in the Boston area long after it went out of style in London.