catalog text
AMERICAN RED-PAINTED HANGING WALL SHELF
Probably Pennsylvania circa the first half of the 19th century
Item # 310ZPI05Q
A compelling and most useful open bookcase, the simple and austere form features an arched and molded cornice around a central tapered-and-fluted wedge over four graduated shelves that are dovetailed into the stiles, the shelf edges decorated with reeding and wonderful tight reeding along the length of the pilasters. The wall shelf retains a fine early and perhaps original red painted surface.
Provenance:
- Collection of Hattie Brunner, Reinholds, Pennsylvania, 23 February 1952
- Christie's, New York, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Scott Jr., 11 June 1994, lot 359
- Christie's, New York, The Robert J. Kahn Collection, lot 139, 18 January 2002 [achieved $ 3290 USD]
- Private Collection, West Virginia, 2002 to the present
Measurements: 41 1/8" H x 38 1/2" W x 7 3/4" D
Condition Report:
Hanging tabs on the reverse and the hanging wire added at some point in the 20th century; some trace inpainting to losses; chipping to the lower corners of the sides, other trace surface wear/rubbing/chipping; very old, oxidized and perhaps original painted surface; a fine presentation.