A Classical Cellarette

Baltimore, Maryland
Circa 1825
Attributed to John Needles

This fine Classical cellarette was made in Baltimore by one of that city’s most accomplished cabinetmakers. The design seems to be related to Plate 98 in English designer George Smith’s design pattern book, A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, published in London in 1808. The front of the case has a raised panel exhibiting beautiful veneers of striped, mottled, and crotch mahogany. The hinged lid has an upswept concave molding surrounding a raised rectangular panel in crotch mahogany.  The sides are ornamented with beautiful mahogany veneers and large lion’s head handles retain much of their original gilt-lacquered finishes. The case is supported on carved animal paw feet. An almost identical cellarette is in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society and is illustrated in the 1993 book, Classical Maryland 1815-1845. 

Mahogany, (Secondary wood: poplar)
Height: 23 ½” Width: 27” Depth: 17”
C1058
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