Cabinet Design 1800 - 1900

This cabinet design was rendered with pen and watercolor by an anonymous artist. It's a beautiful example of how drawing was essential to the creation of furniture. The drawing highlights the inherent qualities of wood. The dark panels, possibly ebony, contrast with the lighter frames, creating a visually appealing structure. The design incorporates classical elements, like the columns, and ornate details highlighted in gold. The small portrait suggests the cabinet was intended for a very special person. What is interesting is that the amount of hand-work suggested by the design. The cabinet maker had to be incredibly skilled to execute this design. In fact, the drawing anticipates the finished object with remarkable precision, ready for a patron to admire. It is also clear that the labor of furniture production has been carefully considered as part of the design process. We can understand the drawing as a way of honoring the future craftsman.