Patricia E. Kane
An “Ingenious” Man: Benjamin Peabody, Newport Cabinetmaker

American Furniture 2022

Full Article
Contents
  • Figure 1
    Figure 1

    High chest of drawers, attributed to Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, probably 1758. Walnut with chestnut and pine. H. 81", W. 38 1/2", D. 20 5/16". (Courtesy, New Haven Museum, bequest of Mrs. Norman Holmes Pearson; photo, Christopher Gardner.) 

  • Figure 2
    Figure 2

    Detail showing the shell on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 1. 

  • Figure 3
    Figure 3

    Detail showing the transverse battens and back boards on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 1.

  • Figure 4
    Figure 4

     Detail showing the finial on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 1. 

  • Figure 5
    Figure 5

    Detail showing the drawer dovetails of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 1.

  • Figure 6
    Figure 6

    Detail showing a vertical drawer divider on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 1. 

  • Figure 7
    Figure 7

    Dressing table, attributed to Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, probably 1759. Walnut with chestnut. H. 31 1/2", W. 33", D. 21 1/2". (Courtesy, private collection.) 

  • Figure 8
    Figure 8

    Detail showing the shell on the dressing table illustrated in fig. 7. 

  • Figure 9
    Figure 9

    High chest of drawers, attributed to Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, 1765–1775. Mahogany with chestnut, white pine, and white oak. H. 83", W. 39 1/8", D. 20". (Courtesy, Yale University Art Gallery, Mabel Brady Garvan Collection.) 

  • Figure 10
    Figure 10

    High chest of drawers, attributed to Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, 1765–1775. Mahogany with chestnut and yellow poplar. H. 81 1/2", W. 39 1/2", D. 21 1/2". (Courtesy, Ott Family Collection; photo, Chris Gardner.) 

  • Figure11
    Figure11

    High chest of drawers, possibly by Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, 1765–1775. Mahogany with chestnut and yellow poplar. H  71", W. 39 1/2", D. 22". (Courtesy, Brunk Auctions; photo, Monica Scott.) 

  • Figure 12
    Figure 12

     Detail showing the shell on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9. 

  • Figure 13
    Figure 13

    Detail showing the shell on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 10.

  • Figure 14
    Figure 14

    Detail showing the shell on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 11. 

  • Figure 15
    Figure 15

    Detail showing the battens that pierce the back boards of the pediment of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9. 

  • Figure 16
    Figure 16

     Detail showing the battens that pierce the back boards of the pediment of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 10. 

  • Figure 17
    Figure 17

    Detail showing the finial on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9. 

  • Figure 18
    Figure 18

    Detail showing a vertical drawer divider on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9. 

  • Figure 19
    Figure 19

    Detail showing a vertical drawer divider on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 10. 

  • Figure 20
    Figure 20

    Detail showing the drawer dovetails of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9. 

  • Figure 21
    Figure 21

    Detail showing the drawer dovetails of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 10. 

  • Figure 22
    Figure 22

     Detail showing a claw-and-ball foot on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 9.

  • Figure 23
    Figure 23

    Detail showing a claw-and-ball foot on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 10. 

  • Figure 24
    Figure 24

    High chest of drawers, attributed to Benjamin Peabody, Newport, Rhode Island, 1755–1765. Mahogany with pine and yellow poplar. H. 78 3/4", W. 39", D. 21 1/16". (Courtesy, Newport Restoration Foundation, R.I.) 

  • Figure 25
    Figure 25

    Detail showing the finial on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 24. 

  • Figure 26
    Figure 26

    Detail showing the shell on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 24. 

  • Figure 27
    Figure 27

    Detail showing the transverse battens piercing the back boards of the pediment of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 24. 

  • Figure 28
    Figure 28

    Detail showing the drawer dovetails of the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 24. 

  • Figure 29
    Figure 29

    Detail showing a vertical drawer divider on the high chest of drawers illustrated in fig. 24.