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Chest of Drawers with Doors

Adam Weisweiler1775 - 1785

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Contrasting cultures and materials were harmoniously orchestrated by Weisweiler to create this chest's eclectic mix of restrained Neoclassical ornament, softened by graceful, Japanese naturalistic scenes. Gilded caryatid figures standing guard in the corners represent a renewed interest in the classical past. The inclusion of the Japanese lacquer panels exhibits Europe's continued fascination with Asian art. Weisweiler's reputation for faultless craftsmanship is reflected in the precision of the gilded architectural moldings framing the landscape. Bordering these panels is French vernis martin lacquer, made to mimic quartz by suspending minute clippings of gold wire or copper crystals in the lacquer.

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  • Title: Chest of Drawers with Doors
  • Creator: Adam Weisweiler
  • Creator Lifespan: 1744 - 1820
  • Creator Nationality: German
  • Creator Gender: None
  • Date Created: 1775 - 1785
  • Physical Dimensions: w1495.3 x h981.2 x d609.6 in
  • Type: Furniture
  • Rights: Purchase: the Kenneth A. and Helen F. Spencer Foundation Acquisition Fund, Purchase: the Kenneth A. and Helen F. Spencer Foundation Acquisition Fund
  • Medium: Ebony, mahogany, Japanese lacquer, French resin varnish, and copper alloy with mercury gilding and marble
  • Culture: German
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Additional Items

Chest of Drawers with Doors (Supplemental)

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