Toronto - Decoration of furniture in the 19th century went far beyond the idea of slapping a coat of paint over a blanket box. All stops were pulled out, and figures, animals and birds joined with fanciful and imitative graining in a kaleidoscopic riot of color and decoration. This is in sharp contrast to the blue, yellow or somber rosewood graining which many associate with painted furniture of the past.



There's no question that on the highest level, some of the most beautiful and fascinating North American antiques in private and public collections throughout the continent are painted and decorated. The painting of furniture, which I suppose you could call "the art of enrichment," began with the earliest settlers in the 17th century and flourished until the last quarter of the 19th.

This sweeping variety of decoration in furniture included painting used to imitate a finer wood or marble, as well as fanciful depictions of animals and nature.

The many forms of furniture that was painted included chest of drawers, chairs, blanket boxes, tables, settees, beds, clocks, looking-glasses, desks, secretaries - almost every useful and decorative object for the home.

Perhaps the most famous of all the painted furniture belongs to the Pennsylvania German Cabinetmakers, who are mistakenly referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch. They were distinguished for their industry, temperance and economy. They perpetuated a great many of their traditions from the old country. Yet they also had to become self-sufficient and they did this by borrowing from English influences in stylish Philadelphia.



Floral spreads and birds were painted on plain backgrounds of dark green, red and so on. They made some lovely examples of painted furniture, which can be found in homes and museums today.



In closing it should be remembered that the idea of "embellishment" is just that - the adding to, and enriching of… not the "covering" up!