Side cabinet c. 1850

This side cabinet, designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, is a prime example of the Gothic Revival style popular in mid-19th-century England. Pugin, a prominent architect and designer, sought to revive medieval craftsmanship and aesthetics, emphasizing intricate details and symbolism. This cabinet showcases Pugin's signature use of marquetry, a technique of inlaying wood veneers to create intricate patterns, and metalwork with a focus on organic forms. The cabinet's design reflects a return to traditional techniques and a rejection of industrialization's perceived lack of craftsmanship. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this cabinet, a testament to Pugin's influence on furniture design.