Johann Michael Jahn
Wardrobe

MakerAmerican, born Prussia, 1816–1883
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Wardrobe
Datec. 1860–1870
Made inNew Braunfels, Texas, United States
MediumBlack walnut; pine and bone
Dimensions92 × 66 × 22 in. (233.7 × 167.6 × 55.9 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2007.25
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Alcove And Hall
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

This wardrobe is attributed to cabinetmaker Johann Michael Jahn based on an identical example that descended in his family. Its restrained ornament highlights book-matched panels of figured walnut on the doors and a masterfully executed cornice. The wardrobe can be easily disassembled; the cornice lifts off and the doors, sides, and back panels lift out of the base.

Adapted from Lonn Taylor and David B. Warren. Texas Furniture: The Cabinetmakers and Their Work, 1840–1880. Vol. 1, rev. ed. Austin, Tex.: University of Texas Press, 2012.


ProvenanceHouse in New Braunfels, Texas; collected by [Ray Rubin, New Braunfels]; purchased by William J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston; given to MFAH, 2007.
Exhibition History"A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, October 2, 2016–January 2, 2017.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Sofa
Johann Michael Jahn
c. 1855
Black walnut; black walnut veneer, pine, and modern upholstery
B.2010.8
Footstool
Johann Michael Jahn
c. 1860–1870
Black walnut
B.2007.20
Stand
Shop of Johann Michael Jahn
c. 1880
Black walnut
B.2007.19
Pair of Side Chairs
Johann Michael Jahn
c. 1860
Black walnut and cane
B.2007.13.1,.2
Box
Johann Michael Jahn
c. 1846–1870
Black walnut
B.2008.12.A,.B
Table
c. 1845–1875
Black walnut, pine, and ivory or bone
B.2009.8
Cupboard
c. 1850–1875
Black walnut; pine, glass, and bone
B.2008.7
Desk
c. 1700–1730
Black walnut, undetermined burl veneer, and eastern white pine; eastern white pine, black walnut, yellow-poplar, cherry, Cuban oyster wood (Gymnanthes lucida), and chestnut
B.69.42
scan from file photograph
c. 1730–1775
Black walnut; black walnut and southern yellow pine
B.69.407.2
scan from file photograph
c. 1730–1775
Black walnut; black walnut and southern yellow pine
B.69.407.1
Side Chair
c. 1730–1775
Black walnut; black walnut and southern yellow pine
B.69.69
scan from file photograph
c. 1735–1795
Black walnut; black walnut and southern yellow pine
B.69.66