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Louisiana World’s Fair Cabinet

  • This one-of-a-kind U.S.-France Liberty cupboard was created for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair
  • Carved of solid walnut, this cabinet celebrates the art and industry of the Louisiana Territory
  • Mythic and historic figures join native wildlife, plants and people in this carefully crafted piece
  • Stenciled “Louisiana Purchase Exposition, Louisiana State Exhibit, USA-France Liberty Cupboard”
  • Get complete item description here
Item No. 29-5491

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This beautifully carved America-France Liberty cabinet was created for the Louisiana State Exhibit at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Crafted of walnut, this cabinet celebrates both the special relationship between the United States and France and the amazing variety of life to be found in the Louisiana Territory. A tour-de-force of Louisiana artistry, this cupboard was included in one of the most important expositions of art, industry. . .
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This beautifully carved America-France Liberty cabinet was created for the Louisiana State Exhibit at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Crafted of walnut, this cabinet celebrates both the special relationship between the United States and France and the amazing variety of life to be found in the Louisiana Territory. A tour-de-force of Louisiana artistry, this cupboard was included in one of the most important expositions of art, industry and culture of all time.

This one-of-a-kind cupboard’s outstanding design blends rich symbolism with exceptional artistry. The highly detailed carvings tell the story of French and American cooperation and the two countries’ mutual love of liberty and cultural excellence. The top finial bears representations of Marianne, France’s symbol of liberty, and her two children, France and Louisiana, are joined by America’s Lady Liberty on the cabinet’s top half. Surrounding these highly important symbols are intricate carvings of lush animal and plant life, and portrait medallions representing the many different historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain.

The cabinet’s lower half is equally symbolic. Two busts that almost certainly portray Thomas Jefferson, the chief architect of the Louisiana Purchase, and Philippe II, duc d’Orléans, for whom the city of New Orleans is named, take a prominent position. And the Exposition itself is honored with tableaux carved in bas relief on the lower cupboard doors. These display symbols of music, writing, painting, drama and sculpture on the left, and agriculture and industry on the right, with carvings of a watering can, scythe, protractor and compass, all tools of the art and industry that made the territory so great in only a century’s time.

Furniture featured at the St. Louis World’s Fair, one of the most magnificent ever to be held, was among the finest made during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibitors came from all parts of the United States and the four corners of the globe, and to be chosen to exhibit was truly a great honor. To find an item that was featured, especially one of such incredible meaning and in such excellent condition, is extraordinary.

Circa 1904

48” wide x 22” deep x 96” high

In 1899, a committee was formed in order to put on an exhibition commemorating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. Five years later, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, officially opened it gates, and became the most fantastic exhibition of international art, industry and culture. The fair featured exhibits by almost every state in the Union, each housed in its own uniquely designed building, as well as buildings, known as Palaces, dedicated to such disciplines as Manufacture, Education and Fine Art. A wonder since its very first day, the Exposition introduced the public to new foods such as the waffle-style ice cream cone, the hamburger, hot dog, peanut butter, iced tea, cotton candy, Dr. Pepper and Puffed Wheat cereal. Human beings were also on exhibit, in more ways than one. The fair featured noted speakers such as Helen Keller. A “human zoo” was featured on the site, and housed members from the Igorot tribe of the Philippines, Native Americans such as famed warrior Geronimo, and Pygmy tribesman Ota Benga.
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This beautifully carved solid walnut cabinet was crafted for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair
Period: 20th Century
Origin: America
Type: Cabinets/Vitrines/Bookcases
Depth: 22.0 Inches
Width: 48.0 Inches
Height: 96.0 Inches
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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