This beautifully carved U.S.-France Liberty cupboard was created for the Louisiana State Exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, or St. Louis World’s Fair, in 1904.

Crafted of walnut, this cabinet celebrates both the special relationship between Louisiana and France and the flourishing fertility of the plantation. A complex language of symbolism informs this entire piece. Classical elements include allusions to France’s Lady Liberty, Marianne, who appears on the cupboard’s pediment atop branches of oak, and olive and river rushes, and who is joined by two expressive putti.

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. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair became the most fantastic exhibition of international art, industry and culture and featured exhibits by almost every state in the Union, each housed in its own uniquely designed building, known as a Palace, and dedicated to such disciplines as Manufacture, Education and Fine Art. The Exposition introduced the public to new foods such as the waffle-style ice cream cone, the hamburger and hot dog, peanut butter, iced tea, cotton candy, Dr. Pepper and Puffed Wheat cereal. 

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