A Classical Sideboard

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Circa 1825
Attributed to Anthony Quervelle

In great part, the attribution of this spectacular sideboard to the cabinetmaker Anthony Quervelle is based on a nearly identical drawing in his sketchbook owned by the Philadelphia of Art. This sideboard seems to take its beginning from that drawing but becomes fully developed with the addition of the mirror back and marble top. The mirror is surrounded by a painted ebonized and gilt border. On either side of the mirror are two small columns veneered in Carpathian elm burl with capitals and bases in bronze with gilt-lacquered finishes. The mirror is centered between two opposing expressive dolphins with original verde and gilt decoration. A large beautifully veined white and gray Arabescato Corchia marble slab covers the top of the case. Two conforming convex-form drawers fit into the apron. Below this are two doors with large diamond-shaped lozenges concealing a storage space with a shelf. On either side of the doors, two large cylinders spin open to reveal a shelf and a revolving section for three bottles. In front of the cylinders are columns veneered in Carpathian elm burl with carved mahogany capitals and turned mahogany bases. The case is supported by feet carved as large animal paw feet. On either side of the feet are carvings depicting cornucopi with bountiful amounts of fruits. All of this carving retains its original verde and gilt painted decoration.

Mahogany, (Secondary woods: pine, poplar, cedrella, and Carpathian elm burl)
Height: 57 ½” Width: 74” Depth: 27”
C1032
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