Wardrobe 1875 - 1883

This Wardrobe was crafted by the Herter Brothers, a company that epitomized Gilded Age aesthetics with their luxurious furniture designs. The wardrobes rich materials reflect the opulence embraced by the upper class during a time marked by vast industrial expansion and social stratification. The wardrobe's ornamentation uses stylized floral patterns inspired by Japanese art which was a common artistic influence during the Aesthetic Movement, of which the Herter Brothers were proponents. This era saw artists and designers rebelling against industrialization through a focus on beauty and craftsmanship. The wardrobe represents the complex intersections of art, industry, and social class, illustrating the power of design to both reflect and shape cultural values. It asks us to consider how everyday objects can embody the aspirations and contradictions of their time. The wardrobe serves as a reflection of a bygone era of wealth and artistic ambition.