Hooded Cradle

Period1760 - 1800

MediumWalnut, and pine

Dimensions24.5 × 40.38 × 15.75 in. (62.2 × 102.6 × 40 cm)

ClassificationsBeds and Cradles

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number1990.690

DescriptionAn infant's cradle featuring a three-pitch hood with a simple arched valance, shaped hoodside edges, a bow arched foot panel, and a bottom board with rounded edges atop a pair of shaped rocker panels. The canted side panels include handhold cutouts for ease in moving the piece, and a small brass knob is centered on the hood valance.
Curatorial RemarksIt would appear that, unless they are signed or come with a family history, hooded cradles are very difficult to identify by area of origin. This particular cradle could have come from New Jersey, New York, or New England. There are certainly variations on specific construction details which might eventually help in pinpointing regional differences. These include the shapes of the hood valance, the profile along the hood side, the terminals on the rockers, and the handle cutouts.

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