An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Sideboardc. 1855
Joseph Alexis Bailly
Newly acquired wealth from railroad production, manufacturing, and an expanded economy produced a new elite class of Americans who looked abroad for sources of decoration to adorn their lives. Grand, baronial furniture, reminiscent of German hunting lodges or French castles, became popular during the mid 1800s among America’s wealthy. Elaborate displays of abundance were reflected in the carvings of flora, fauna, and freshly hunted game. The depictions of Native American hunters on this example, most likely made in Philadelphia, may have meant that this piece was displayed at one of the many international expositions that occurred during this period.
Luscious fruit, wild animals, and Native American figures are masterfully carved into this walnut sideboard. These decorative adornments were created for a distinctively American taste and would have symbolized abundance and wealth to visitors who encountered it within a grand dining room.
walnut
Overall: 290.4 x 211.4 x 69.4 cm (114 5/16 x 83 1/4 x 27 5/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the mid-1800s, a shift was taking place in the land of opportunity. As railroads stretched their iron veins across the countryside, transporting not only goods but dreams and ambitions, a new elite class emerged. These were the captains of industry, the barons of manufacturing, who, with their newly acquired wealth, began to seek the elegance that their flourishing lives demanded.
Picture them—wealthy Americans, their eyes sparkling with the thrill of their success, traveling across oceans in search of beauty, sophistication, and refinement. They were drawn to the grandeur of Europe, where sumptuous decorations told stories of history and culture. German hunting lodges and the opulence of French castles captivated these affluent souls, inspiring them to curate their own extravagant surroundings.
In their pursuit, they found, among other treasures, grand baronial furniture. These pieces were not merely functional; they were statements of their newfound status. Each carved detail spoke volumes about abundance and prestige. Delicate engravings of flora and fauna danced across the wood, intertwining with vivid images of freshly hunted game. It was as if the very essence of the wilderness had been captured and infused into these fine artworks, echoing the triumphs of their own quests.
One such piece, believed to be crafted in the bustling city of Philadelphia, presented a remarkable depiction of Native American hunters. This wasn’t just a display; it was a story frozen in time—a proud acknowledgment of a rich heritage that existed before the towering cities rose from the earth. One can imagine this magnificent furniture gracing the halls of aristocratic homes or perhaps showcased at one of the many international expositions that blossomed during this era, where nations gathered to flaunt their culture and innovations.
In the shadows of these lavish adornments lies a deeper narrative—a reflection of ambition intertwined with the history of the land, an admiration tinged with nostalgia. As the elite filled their rooms with treasures from far and wide, they sought not just to showcase their success, but to weave a complex tapestry of identity and legacy that resonated far beyond their wealth. And so, these pieces, carved with countless stories, stood as silent witnesses to an age of transformation and the intricate dance between culture and aspiration.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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