Wardrobe c. 1863

Curator: This is "Wardrobe," crafted around 1863 by B.J. Montgomery & Co. Editor: Its sheer monumentality strikes me first. The dark color and robust carving—it's a formidable object. Curator: Indeed. These imposing wardrobes speak volumes about the era's values. Furniture became a statement, reflecting the owner’s status and tastes. In a time when mass production was nascent, the handcrafted nature symbolized a dedication to artistry and a rejection of utilitarian anonymity. Editor: Note the wood's surface. See how it captures light. The texture creates an almost shimmering effect. The cabinet is also a study of shape: stacked rectangles give way to the subtle arch that is also mirrored in the pediment at the top, a pleasing use of form. Curator: Consider also what this wardrobe may have represented for marginalized communities. As African Americans struggled against slavery and sought to establish independent lives, owning such a symbol of stability and wealth was itself a political act, rejecting imposed narratives of subservience. Editor: I'm fascinated by its solidity, even in photographic reproduction. You can practically feel the density of the wood and the craftsmanship etched into every groove and curve. This wardrobe’s form declares that objects can, through considered arrangement of surface and contour, move the human spirit. Curator: Right. Examining this wardrobe allows us to appreciate the intricate dance between design, identity, and socio-political context in the 19th-century United States. Editor: I walk away with a renewed appreciation for the wardrobe as more than just functional furniture. Curator: Me too; seeing it through the lens of history underscores its complex, resonant presence.