Kast

c. 1710–1740

Kast, c. 1710–1740. American, King County, NY. Various woods, wrought iron; 196.8 x 184.2 x 69.8 cm (77 1/2 x 72 1/2 x 27 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Suzanne Elmendorf Danco Doggett and Walter Ten Eyck Danco on behalf of the Elmendorf, Ten Eyck and Danco family 2019.59 The earliest furniture made in America often shared similarities with works made in the country from where the settlers originated. With its bun feet, paneled surface, and broad projecting cornice, this wardrobe (kast) resembles earlier Dutch examples that come from Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. Therefore, this wardrobe was likely made by the Dutch settlers who colonized New York and New Jersey. This Dutch American wardrobe was likely made in a community along the Hudson River in New York by a cabinetmaker who had originally come from the region in or around Amsterdam in Holland.