AFA 20th Anniversary

2020 Antiques & Fine Art 117 Wardrobe and desk, Lancaster or Lebanon County, Pa., 1780–1800. Walnut with mixed-wood inlay, tulip poplar, brass. H. 82, W. 63, D. 22 inches. Historic Trappe, gift of William K. du Pont. A combination of a Kleiderschrank (clothes cupboard, or wardrobe) and desk, this object is a most unusual hybrid. Both of the cupboards in the upper section have wooden pegs inside for hanging clothing; the lower section is a slant-front desk with fully outfitted interior including a prospect door and pigeonhole compartments. Highly architectural in its design, the interrupted cornice with dentil treatment relates to furniture and architectural elements from Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Thus far, however, the inlaid decoration on this piece remains unique and unrelated to any other known furniture.