An Aesthetic mahogany "Winged Cabinet" or dressing table After E.W. Godwin (English, 1833-1886), attrib. to A.& H. Lejambre, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1880

In two parts, the upper section with mirror plate surmounted by galleried shelf and flanked by two galleried storage compartments and drawers, the lower section with dressing surface above two drawers, over two doors, flared legs with brass sabots, lower shelf, with brass mounts.

H: 75 1/4 in. W: 49 1/2 in. D: 17 7/8 in.

Note and Literature

A closely related cabinet is illustrated in William Watt, E.W. Godwin, Jeffrey & Co. Art Furniture from Designs by E.W. Godwin and others; with hints and suggestions on domestic furniture and decoration (London: 1877).

See: Susan Weber Soros, The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin (1999) p. 77, pl. 54. for cabinet design drawing.

Provenance

Purchased as a wedding gift in 1880 for Arthur (1852-1897) and Julie Cox Biddle (1858-1952), of Philadelphia, thence to their son, Alfred Alexander Biddle (1885-1967) and to his daughter, Constance M. Biddle (1923-2005). A letter from Miss Biddle describing the piece as the "dressing table" in her grandmother's bedroom at 1821 Delancey Street accompanies lot.

A New York collector.