Chest of Drawers with Dressing Glass c. 1815

This striking “Chest of Drawers with Dressing Glass” was made in the United States, sometime between 1790 and 1820, by Thomas Seymour. The mahogany and birch construction speaks volumes about the burgeoning American economy and its reliance on international trade. The wood itself, likely sourced from the West Indies, reflects colonial ties and the global exchange of resources during this period. Note the mirror, a potent symbol of self-reflection, which suggests the rising importance of personal identity and presentation in the new republic. The lion-head pulls add a touch of aristocratic flair, hinting at the complex social aspirations of the American elite. The chest of drawers thus becomes a lens through which we can examine the social, economic, and cultural currents shaping early America. By consulting period documents, trade records, and social histories, we can better understand the meanings embedded in this remarkable piece of furniture.