Details

Title

Chest Over Drawers

Artist/Maker

Attributed to John Bieber

Date

1793

Medium

Poplar, pine, and polychrome paint

Dimensions

29 1/8 x 50 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches

Credit

Purchase with funds from the Decorative Arts Acquisition Endowment

Accession #

1984.52

On View

Currently not on view

Pennsylvania Dutch dower chests were personal objects custom-made for a young person to store valuables and keepsakes. Each chest is unique, as they were an expression of individuality for the owner, in this case, a woman named Elizabeth Behm. This also makes them the most expressive and decorated items from the Pennsylvania Dutch region. This chest is attributed to John Bieber, who often painted large, bold, flat hearts and vibrant designs on his work. This chest is an outstanding example of Pennsylvania Dutch Americana.

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