Document Box, circa 1820
Add to SetSummary
Any American involved in business in the early 1800s would have used a document box to carry important papers. Though these functional containers weren't fancy, they were nearly always decorated. This showy, crudely painted example reflects the importance of classical antiquity to early nineteenth-century Americans. Its "classic" swags and garlands signified the rebirth of democracy and representative government in the young republic.
Any American involved in business in the early 1800s would have used a document box to carry important papers. Though these functional containers weren't fancy, they were nearly always decorated. This showy, crudely painted example reflects the importance of classical antiquity to early nineteenth-century Americans. Its "classic" swags and garlands signified the rebirth of democracy and representative government in the young republic.
Artifact
Box (Container)
Date Made
circa 1820
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
66.135.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Tin (Metal)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Red
Yellow
Dimensions
Height: 6.5 in
Width: 5.125 in
Length: 9.25 in
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