Mahantongo Valley, Pennsylvania painted poplar dower chest, the center panel inscribed
John Kesler den 16 Junius 1814 in under Mahantango Taunschip Schuhl Caunty, flanked by two panels with stylized tulips and floral tree, all on a salmon ground supported by bracket feet, 22 1/2" h., 49 1/2" w. This chest and a similar example illustrated in
Decorated Furniture of the Mahantongo Valley, fig. 13, have been attributed to fraktur artist and cabinet maker William Otto. The present example was made for the nephew of Otto's wife, Margretta nee Kesler. The referenced example was made for Otto's own niece, Ana Maria Geres. Provenance: Sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, The Collection of George Horace Lorimer Part II, October 24-28, 1944, lot 758.
Condition
Escutcheon replaced. Lacking lock. Lacking till lid. One rear foot facing replaced. Side facings of front feet are pieced 2''.