SIXTEENTH-CENTURY CHEST.
In the possession of Seymour Lucas, Esq., R.A. Height, 2 ft. 2 in.; depth, 2 ft. 1 in.; width of chest, 3 ft. 1 1/2 in.; extreme width of lid, 3 ft. 5 1/2 in.
Chests produced during the Elizabethan period are 10 - 2 frequently constructed of three or four different kinds of wood, oak and chestnut in the framework being associated with holly, walnut, and elm in the surface decoration. It occasionally happens that the caryatides which decorate the chest front are themselves formed of the lighter material, but these instances are rare. Inlay upon the panels usually took the form of an interlaced geometrical strap, or more rarely of sprays of conventional flowers somewhat resembling pinks. They were also frequently adorned with a series of little views representing elevations of buildings which popular fancy nowadays asserts to be Nonsuch House, but which might possibly be the more recent Palace of Theobald's or some other noble seat.* Some superb specimens of these types are in the possession of Ernest Crofts, Esq., R.A., Keeper of the Royal Academy; General Sir Coleridge Grove, K.C.B.; the Ven. Archdeacon J. J. Lawrence, of St. Albans; and Sydney W. Lee, Esq., of Putney Hill. Every one of these examples is essentially English in all its characteristics. Mr. Crofts' chest in particular should be commented upon. It is a fine piece, having its front decorated with caryatides, and exhibiting most of the usual Elizabethan details.