I had a treat today, which few people get to ever enjoy. I went behind the scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the most delightful authority on colonial American furniture, Morrison Heckscher. His enthusiasm and love for the furniture was palpable, so it rubbed off onto me. Don't be surprised if I start gushing about exquisite dovetails and original surfaces!
Unfortunately the American wing is closing for renovation for the next few years, so I was able to see some things that won't be on view again for a while. One wishes that the new American wing will emerge with a beauty similar to the lavish, nay opulent, grandeur that is the new Greek and Roman wing. Don't hold your breath... American art, despite how I feel about it, is still the poor step-sister to such areas as classical antiquity and the Renaissance.
Mr. Heksher spent four hours explaining the craft of the turner, carver, and cabinet-maker during the 18th century in America. I learned from him the style differences between Boston, Newport, Philadelphia, and New York furniture. Apparently, New York was never a style-setter back then, Boston was where it was all happening, but by the 1750's it was all Philadelphia, where carving was king. Nowadays, we don't consider our furniture to be our prize possessions, but back then it was what set you apart. And because the rich needed furniture, which was too costly to import, a real American style developed, handcrafted by the best artisans to come to this new land of opportunity. The skill in these pieces is evident, and its no wonder they have survived till today, where they are now entrusted in the hands of the most adoring caretaker.
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