Painted Dressing Table

The “Fancy furniture” style emerged in the United States in the early 19th-century, particularly in cities like Baltimore, where cabinetmakers produced boldly painted, stenciled, and gilded pieces that offered a vibrant and more affordable alternative to high-end neoclassical furniture. This 19th century American dressing table offers a clear example of stenciling as a quick and efficient method for producing decoration. Stenciling allowed makers to repeat complex designs with speed and consistency, while still providing a sense of embellished ornament.The large drawer is ornamented with stenciled leaf and grape motifs on either side, along with loose, gestural swirls suggesting vines.

Year: 19th century

Material: Wood, paint

Dimensions: W 34 x D 17 ½ x H 36 in