Carved Mahogany Grecian Sofa in the manner of Duncan Phyfe

In the Style of

Duncan Phyfe

Origin

United States, New York

Period

19th Century

Dimensions

W.	90 in;	H.	34.25 in;	D.	23 in;
W.	228.6 cm;	H.	87 cm;	D.	58.42 cm;

Condition

Good. Good: restoration to proper right front leg near foot and proper left seat rail above leg. Modern horsehair upholstery in the original color with conservation webbing and materials.

Creation Date

c. 1815

Description

The scrolled crest rail with a central panel with low-relief-carved intertwined cornucopia issuing fruit and wheat, flanked by panels with carved "thunder bolts" in a bow knot, the reeded arms with carved rosettes continue to a reeded seat rail raised on reeded saber legs with brass paw feet on casters.

This is an iconic form in New York Classical furniture in the late-Sheraton style with influences of the French Directoire, illustrated in plate 7 from The New York Book of Prices for Manufacturing Cabinet and Chair Work, 1817, and relates to many sofas documented to Duncan Phyfe, c. 1810-1815. The motifs of the carving are found on many Phyfe chairs and sofas and the quality of this carving is in every way comparable to the documented examples. The carved rosettes at the termination of the arms are a rare and attractive feature.

Styles / Movements

Classical, Empire, Neoclassical

Book References

Peter M. Kenny & Michael K. Brown, Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York (New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2011), 160, -163, 166, 181

Incollect Reference Number

109143