Pa. German Dower Chest c. 1937

Francis Borelli’s "Pa. German Dower Chest" (c. 1937) is a watercolor painting that depicts a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dower chest. The chest is a rectangular wooden box with a hinged lid, decorated with colorful painted designs. The painting captures the intricate details of the chest's construction and the delicate floral motifs that adorn its surface. Dower chests, also known as "Hope Chests," were a significant part of Pennsylvania Dutch culture, passed down as heirlooms to daughters and filled with items for their future home. Borelli's painting beautifully showcases this traditional craft and its enduring legacy.