Sideboard 1853

This walnut Sideboard was crafted by Alexander Roux, a prominent New York cabinetmaker during the 19th century. The elaborate carving and imposing scale of the sideboard reflect the opulence and grandeur favored by wealthy Americans during the Victorian era. Roux's designs often drew inspiration from historical styles. Here, we see elements of the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Consider how such revivals served to legitimize new wealth by associating it with established European aristocracy. The carved trophies of game and fruit might reflect a vision of America as a land of plenty. But let's also consider what this abundance may have obscured. Whose labor produced this wealth? What role did enslaved people and exploited immigrant workers play in creating the economic conditions that allowed for such displays of luxury? This sideboard stands as a reminder of the complex social and economic forces that shaped the United States. It asks us to consider how objects, even those as seemingly simple as a piece of furniture, can embody both aspiration and erasure.