Music Cabinet
Artist
Herter Brothers
(American, active 1864 - 1906)
Date1868-1872
MediumRosewood, satinwood, curly soft maple, eastern white pine, cherry, black walnut, yellow-poplar, marquetry of various woods and pewter, gilding.
DimensionsOverall: 55 × 26 5/8 × 15 1/2in. (139.7 × 67.6 × 39.4cm)
ClassificationsFURNISHINGS
Credit LineMuseum Purchase with funds from the Wallace Thurston Bequest
Terms
Object number90.56
On View
On viewCollections
Copyright<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc/4.0/80x15.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
Label TextWhile some objects are labeled with a maker's name, a majority of nineteenth-century furniture is unmarked. Protracted study is often the only means that results in accurate attributions. This music cabinet, for example, can be attributed to Herter Brothers. The firm's work is distinguished by its distinctive and consistent vocabulary combined with superior craftsmanship. Here, the lyre on the door, Ionic capitals atop each leg, the exceptional band of pewter fleurs-de-lis, and meandering vines of exotic woods can all be traced to known Herter objects or interior commissions.
A music cabinet was used in a drawing room or music room. The interior, fitted with horizontal and vertical shelves, is suited for the storage of loose sheets and bound volumes of music.
