Shaker Chest with Drawer 1935 - 1942

Alfred H. Smith made this watercolor and graphite rendering of a Shaker chest in the United States. This image provides a window into the world of the Shakers, a religious sect known for their communal living, pacifism, and distinctive craft traditions. The Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, established communities throughout the Northeast, the Midwest, and even the South. They produced furniture and other domestic goods, which were admired for their simplicity, functionality, and high quality. The Shaker aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and efficient design, reflected their religious values of humility, honesty, and utility. Historical documents, architectural studies of Shaker meetinghouses, and analyses of their social structure can inform our understanding of Shaker culture. Ultimately, the image is a testament to the ways that art embodies the values and beliefs of a particular community.