SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA CLASSICAL CARVED WALNUT CORNER CUPBOARD, one-piece construction, a fine vernacular form, the upper section with bold stepped cornice over two hinged doors, each with distinctive complex mullion pattern, flanked by full free-standing tapered columns with carved capitals; the lower section with overhanging "dirty-dish" shelf above two hinged doors with figured raised-panels, flanked by full free-standing tapered columns above a plain projecting base; all raised on turned feet mortised into the bottom of the case. The upper and lower interior shelves feature boldly shaped front edges. Yellow pine secondary wood. Fine historic surface with rich, warm color. Probably the shop of John or Thomas McCann, New Market, VA. Circa 1825-1835. 91" H, 46" W, 33" corner.
Provenance: Property from the estate of Virginia Zirkle Ritchie, New Market, VA.
Catalogue Note: The present corner cupboard has descended through the Zirkle family of northern Shenandoah Co., VA to the present owner and was likely made by John or Thomas McCann, important cabinetmakers in New Market. The Zirkle family, most notably Reuben A. Zirkle, a farmer, owned property where Endless Caverns was discovered in 1879 by two boys hunting rabbits on his land. Not long after the discovery, the Zirkle family began giving tours of the caverns by candlelight. They eventually sold the property in 1919 to Col. Brown.
Condition
Feet cut in half and detached but present, otherwise very good condition with minor wear, small veneer losses/repairs.