Rare Louisiana Armoire in the Federal Manner

Rare and Iconic Louisiana Mahogany Armoire in the Federal Manner

ca. 1820-1835, the molded cornice over a pair of recessed paneled doors with fluted and stop-fluted false stile and pilasters, each return fitted with a side closet, the central doors opening to reveal a medial belt of three drawers over a rare set of graduated linen drawers, the drawers retaining their period silvered brass pulls and oval backplates, on reeded legs with brass paw casters.
h. 96-3/4", w. 69-1/4", d. 24"

Literature: The present armoire is illustrated in Holden, Bacot, Gontar, et al, Furnishing Louisiana: Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835, figure 51. It, together with the nearly identical Mercer family armoire, illustrated in figure 50, is the most refined and sophisticated of the group of Creole-style Federal armoires. The use of stop-fluting, extensive reeding, including reeded pilasters, silvered Anglo-American bail pulls and the decision to graduate the linen drawers, suggests the maker was familiar with the sophisticated, high-style French presses being crafted by Lannuier and Phyfe in New York, as well as the finest Philadelphia shops. This armoire incorporates those elements, yet retains the distinct character of Louisiana Creole armoires. After the Mercer armoire was destroyed in the fire at Laura Plantation, where it was on exhibition, the surviving brass foot was obtained for this armoire.
Dimensions: 69.25 x 96.75 x 24 in