Shaker Chest of Drawers c. 1937

This "Shaker Chest of Drawers" was created by Alfred H. Smith. The drawing presents a symmetrical and orderly chest of drawers. Its structure is defined by clean, straight lines and right angles, emphasizing functionality. The consistent color, a muted reddish-brown, contributes to its visual coherence. The repetition of drawers, each with identical knobs, adds to the sense of rhythm. Smith's illustration captures the Shaker commitment to simplicity and utility. The design reflects their rejection of ornamentation in favor of functionality. The chest's aesthetic embodies the Shaker belief that form should follow function, resulting in a piece that is both practical and visually balanced. The chest's overall effect is one of understated elegance, achieved through careful consideration of proportion and material. It stands as a testament to the Shaker's enduring influence on design, where simplicity becomes a powerful form of expression.