GRADE: 2
55 w x 101 h x 33 d cm (each)

William A.M. Burden Jr. (1906 - 1984)
Thence by descent to present owner

These exceptionally well-preserved Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunks were made for William A. M. Burden Jr. (1906–1984), the American financier, diplomat, aviation authority and distinguished collector and patron of modern art and design. A scion of the Vanderbilt family, Burden served as President and later Chairman of the Museum of Modern Art, and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium from 1959 to 1961.

Bearing Burden’s boldly painted initials, W.A.M.B., the trunks survive in remarkably complete and original condition. Their Monogram canvas retains exceptional color and clarity, while the interiors preserve their fitted drawers, leather pulls, wardrobe fittings and original Louis Vuitton hangers. The unusually fresh condition of these inherently utilitarian objects, together with their distinguished provenance, offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated world of a storied American family.