A CLASSICAL CARVED MAHOGANY CHEST-OF-DRAWERS

For a very similar example attributed to Joseph B. Barry see Donald L. Fennimore, "Egyptian Influence in Early Nineteenth-Century American Furniture," The Magazine Antiques (May 1990), p. 1198, pl. IV. The attribution of this group of chests is solidified by an advertisement that Barry placed in the January 11, 1810 issue of Philadelphia's Aurora General Advertiser in which he was selling "3 pair Eliptic Bureaus, columns and Egyptian figures." Barry is thought to have been one of the first cabinetmakers to capitalize on American's interest in Egyptian culture and motifs in his furniture. That influence can be seen in this piece with the elaborately carved, figural columns. The beehive-shaped reeded feet on the subject chest are also characteristic of pieces attributed to Barry. Another related example with carved male figures wearing turbans can be seen in Israel Sack, Inc., American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, vol. VII, p.1822, no. P5039. Another example is in the collection at The Henry Ford (62.73.7). For further information on Barry see Donald L. Fennimore and Robert T. Trump, "Joseph B. Barry, Philadelphia Cabinetmaker," The Magazine Antiques (May 1989), pp. 1212-1225.