Images(3)

Kast

Period1787 - 1802

MediumSweet gum (identified through microanalysis in 1979 by the U. S. Department of Agriculture in Madison, WI), white and yellow pine secondary woods, and walnut applied panels

Dimensions76.5 × 74.75 × 26.5 in. (194.3 × 189.9 × 67.3 cm)

SignedPrinted paper label glued inside of the right door reads "MADE and SOLD by / MATTHEW EGERTON Junior / Joiner and Cabinetmaker. / New-Brunswick, / New-Jersey."

ClassificationsStorage Furniture

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, 1959

Object number1982.411

DescriptionA widely overhanging cornice projects over a pair of doors with central raised panels framed by applied moldings. The center stile is not architectural but is attached to the right door. The center, left, and right stiles have pairs of applied narrow vertical walnut panels framed by applied moldings. Short, horizontal walnut molding pieces, known as glyphs, are applied above, between, and below these narrow vertical panels. The base contains two solid front panel drawers with lipped edges set side by side, separated by square walnut panels framed with molding and set on point at the left, center, and right of the two drawers. Both drawers have a single brass bail pull with oval backplates. There are two dovetailed bracket front feet and two simple board back feet. The doors open to reveal the interior with two board shelves. The upper shelf has a small storage drawer mounted on its underside.
Curatorial RemarksMatthew Egerton, Jr., made and labeled kasten that followed the style of those made in Kings County, New York. His work, however, gives evidence of the later period in which he worked. For example, he employed bracket feet and brass drawer bails with oval backplates typical of late eighteenth century furniture. He also deviated from the more typical design of a single wide drawer with applied moldings in the base, substituting two smaller drawers with lipped edges. Egerton's father in all likelihood trained his son. Of English descent and Anglican/Episcopalian faith, Egerton senior married a Dutch woman named Catelyna (Catherine) Voorhees. She and their children became members of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Brunswick. Her husband, however, remained an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in the same city.NotesMatthew Egerton, Jr. (ca. 1765 - 1837) of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, learned his trade from his father, Matthew Egerton, Sr. (1739 - 1802). The younger Matthew labeled his furniture "Matthew Egerton Junior" until the death of his father in 1802, when he dropped the Junior. That this kas could have been made as late as 1802 attests to the continued popularity of the traditional Dutch kast form in Central New Jersey.

Collections