Kast

1675-1690

Place madeDutch Republic

Walnut with elm, oak, and ebony; iron

Overall: 87 x 88 1/2 x 29 in. ( 221 x 224.8 x 73.7 cm )

Gift of Dr. Fenwick Beekman

1941.914

This ample wardrobe, or kast, was made in the Dutch Republic and descended in the Keteltas and Beekman families of New York. Kasten were often part of a woman's dowry and were regarded as status symbols. This example was probably brought to New Amsterdam by the maternal ancestors of Jane Keteltas, who married James Beekman in 1752. Kasten became less popular in the American colonies by the mid-eighteenth, but continued to be important reminders of Dutch ancestry.

DescriptionWalnut Baroque kast; detachable overhanging molded cornice with applied central cartouche with two shields surmounted by a helmet and surrounded by foliate carving, above carved lion's mask; carved cherubs surrounded by foliate carving on front corners; rectangular case with two raised-panel doors with center stile attached to right-hand door, band of foliate carving with two putti on rail above door, vertical bands of foliate carving on side and center stiles, interior contains two shelves with drawers below shelves; separate base unit with long drawer with two wooden knobs (ebony), ornamented to look like two raised-panel drawers divided by central stile; drawer fronts, side and center stiles ornamented with foliate carving; two platform feet with depressed ball front feet (elm with oak tenons).

ClassificationsFURNITURE

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