Dressers/Dresser Bases »
Superb Georgian “Fiddle-front” Dresser in Original Red Paint
Ref: 5156
An antique pine farmhouse dresser from Ireland, an early one, late 18th century, in layers of original red ochre paint that has been nicely darkened by fire smoke. This form of dresser is called a ‘fiddle-front' owing to the central decorative form in the lower half that could be regarded as looking like a fiddle, in fact as you can see here what is outlined is actually an urn, a neo-classical decorative device, in keeping with the period style of the piece.
This one has an especially fine line, later versions are much cruder.
These items of furniture were essentially theatrical, the upper half with relatively shallow shelves & with plate bars were for displaying precious china, spongeware & plates, family photographs, the lower section has two drawers and an open base where pails & jugs would stand no doubt on a stone floor.
Ireland 18th cent.
H: 200cm (78.7in)
W: 167cm (65.7in)
D: 44cm (17.3in)
SOLD
Print Back