Before the insurers

Sideboard (1804) (Mahogany, satinwood, holly, ebony and brass), made by Aaron Chapin (American, Hartford, Connecticut, 1753-1838), in the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art’s (Hartford) show ‘‘Made in Hartford,’ through July 13.

The museum says:\

“Saukiog. Huys de Hoop. Newtown. Hartford. The site of Connecticut’s capital city has been known by many names over the centuries. Shaped by Indigenous traditions, immigration, and the insurance industry, the objects in this gallery form a dynamic portrait of Hartford and its environs. Local stories of people and place are reflected in objects of everyday life including ceramics and glass, furniture, and metalwork as well as paintings and photography. Take a closer look. Explore over four hundred years of community at the confluence of the Connecticut and Park Rivers. Join us in celebrating a living legacy of creativity and innovation that bridges past, present, and future.’’