What is the thematic context of Dower chest?

seltzer's signature style, early 18th century chests, distinctive decorative motifs, german folk art, jonestown school style, wood-grained techniques, wealth & storage, domestic ornamentation

Is Dower chest under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

Dower chestGary Wragg · 1784

Folk Art
1784
Reading Public Museum

The son of German immigrants, Christian Seltzer is considered to be the founder of the “Jonestown School” of chest makers. His decorative style was distinct yet variable. Many chest painters of this period used templates or repetitive designs, but his motifs rarely repeat, and he typically rendered vases and flowers freehand. The mottled background painting is a treatment suggestive of highly figured wood-graining and serves as a particularly effective ground to give emphasis to the arcaded panels surrounding the urn and stylized spiky floral motifs. The deep claret reddish-brown hue seen in the painted ornament on this chest was especially favored by the elder Seltzer.

Gary Wragg (1946 –)

Discover the abstract art of no alternate name found (b. 1946), a British painter known for his Color Field style & significant contributions to post-war abstraction. Influenced by Wu Kwong Yu, his work is held in major collections worldwide.

Reading Public Museum (Reading, United States of America)

Explore art, science & civilization at the Reading Public Museum! Discover American masterpieces, ancient artifacts, and a stunning arboretum. A unique cultural destination for all ages.

About this artwork

Title: Dower chest
Artist: Gary Wragg
Year: 1784
Format: Landscape
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: Reading Public Museum
Movement: Folk Art
Corpus context: wood-grained techniques, wealth & storage
Color palette: Neutrals
Keywords: jonestown school art, 1784 antique chest, christian seltzer

Questions & Answers

In which movement and which era is "Dower chest" by Gary Wragg placed?

"Dower chest" by Gary Wragg is placed in the Folk Art movement, within the Modern era of its creator.

What national origin stands behind the Folk Art of "Dower chest"?

"Dower chest" connects the Folk Art movement with United Kingdom through its creator's birthplace.

Who is the artist behind "Dower chest"?

The artist behind "Dower chest" is Gary Wragg. The work is catalogued under Gary Wragg's name.

What is the creation date of "Dower chest" by Gary Wragg?

"Dower chest" by Gary Wragg was created in 1784.

What are the author and date of "Dower chest"?

The author of "Dower chest" is Gary Wragg, and the work is dated 1784.

How does "Dower chest" balance light and dark?

The recorded values for "Dower chest" by Gary Wragg are: brilliant brightness, bright balance luminance.

What is the format of "Dower chest"?

"Dower chest" by Gary Wragg is a landscape composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.