Advanced Search 
Cabinet
Bookcase cabinet
Cabinet
Possibly made by: J. & J. W. Meeks (American, active 1836–1859)
1830–40
Object Place: New York, New York, United States
Medium/Technique
Mahogany, painted and gilt stenciled decoration, mahogany veneer, pine, brass
Dimensions
Overall: 223.5 x 157.5 x 64.8 cm (88 x 62 x 25 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Seminarians
Accession Number1980.35
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
DescriptionMahogany with painted and gilt stenciled decoration, mahogany veneer and pine. Empire style. Divided glass doors with gilded mullions forming on each one 2 superimposed gothic ogee arches flanking columns with composite capitals, and stencilled leaf pattern. Cornice is veneered 6 stenciled, upcurving with central fruit motif. Each paw feet 6 winged brackets. 3 pine drawers with mahogany strips across front.
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, it was originally owned by Martha Coggeshall Holly, whose son Sidney Augustus Holly married Alexander Hamilton's daughter Eliza. The cabinet descended in the family of Sidney and Eliza Holly to Miss Adelaide Milton de Groot. In 1959 Miss de Groot gave the cabinet to the Stratford Historical Society (SHS), in Stratford, Connecticut. In 1979, it was deaccessioned by SHS, and in 1980 purchased by the MFA with funds donated by The Seminarians (Accession Date: February 20, 1980)