American Classical Style Carved Mahogany Antique Sofa in Duncan Phyfe Manner

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About the Item

EXQUISITE AMERICAN CLASSICAL STYLE MAHOGANY SOFA In the manner of Duncan Phyfe (New York, 1768-1854), 19th Century A very fine example of pristine craftsmanship, the crest rail is exquisitely carved from a thick solid plank of mahogany; two nearly identical panels capture oak leaves tied together with flowing ribbon flank the larger central panel of intertwined cornucopia overflowing with sheaves of wheat and fruits. This motif captured the spirit of a period of peace and economic prosperity during which this sofa was crafted. These magnificent landscapes are of exceptional quality, each tiny detail carefully and painstakingly brought to life under the artists knife - it was an expensive detail to have incorporated into a sofa, as any small mistake led to the costly disposal of countless hours of labor and a large plank of gorgeous mahogany. The crest rail has a soft backward slope, completing the cyma form of the back that so harmoniously mirrors the curvature of the arms and sharper bow of the legs. All edges are molded with delicate reeding, giving a distinct angularity to the curvy Greco-Roman inspired form. The tip of each arm is capped with deep floral rosettes carved of the solid, these flowing up from the panels over both legs, each depicting drapery hanging from floral rosettes with a large tassel focal point. The legs are deeply molded in large tapering horns that simulate the trumpet form of the cornucopia, each leg scrolling softly along the apron - it is worth noting that the back legs are likewise carved of identical quality to the front legs, despite the time consuming and expensive nature of this carving and their relatively low visibility. Each leg terminates in well formed Lion's Paw, these of outstanding quality with each toe and knuckle well defined and culminating in sharp claws at the front. They rest over a ball-bearing caster, this original on all feet and still functioning smoothly. Most importantly, the finish on the sofa is just outstanding - early and dry, the grimy surface preserves a well patinated mahogany beneath the alligatored crackling of old shellac. Areas of high use and traffic have rubbed through this shellac and have a brilliant ruby glow to them, but much of the less trafficked areas on the sofa remain untouched and hazy. The central panel is without a doubt related to a series of American Classical sofas, most of which are attributed to the shop of Duncan Phyfe, though we are not able to assess whether this is a work of the period or a later Centennial piece - the craftsmanship of some Centennial forms is so fine that with a century of use and patina they can be indistinguishable from an original without a more expert evaluation and full removal of all upholstery. As such, we are selling this sofa as American Classical "Style", but it is without a doubt an absolutely exquisite example inspired by the work of Phyfe's shop. Note, for example, plates XI through XVIII in Furniture Masterpieces of Duncan Phyfe (Charles Cornelius), which depict settees with similar oak-leaf-and-ribbon panels, several with the drapery and tassel panel placed along the crest rail instead of along the apron, and several with nearly identical if not less robust cornucopia carved central panels. A closely related form, but with five carved panels (two cresting the scrolled arms and three along the crest rail like the present example) sold at Christies in sale 1247 (Lot 178) for $105,160. Other closely related examples incorporating this carving can be reviewed in Fine Points of Furniture: Early American (Sack, p. 234, a Sheraton expression of this form), Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency (McClelland, p. 169) and Furniture by New York Cabinetmakers 1650-1860 (Miller, p. 70). The present example is noteworthy not only for it's three deep and robust panels, each vibrant and of stylized realism, but for the drapery-and-tassel panels over each front foot - to this date we have not found a similar example with these precisely carved panels. This painstakingly crafted piece is a treasure, a fine sofa that you will cherish in your home for a lifetime, being of a form that never goes out of style and is built to last generations. With a new upholstery, it will certainly define whatever living room it becomes a part of. Note: We have had the "crack" visible in the frame beside the right arm restored, now very stable and only a hairline crack disturbing the fine surface. Measurements: 79 1/2" wide x 24 3/4" deep x 33 1/8" high; 18" high to seat; sitting area measures 58" wide x 21 1/2" deep Condition Report: [OVERVIEW] Upholstery in overall "poor" condition, having minor discolorations and stains throughout, much of it having been pulled up and lifted to examine the frame. Surface is very early, possibly at least somewhat original - deep patina under an alligatored shellac and grimy finish, very attractive. Minor dings and abrasions here and there, chips/losses to some lion paw toes. [STRUCTURE] Very sturdy and strong. Restorations to frame beneath upholstery with much of the blocking, slatting and structure restored or replaced from use and repeated upholstery. Old hairline cracks where the arms meet the apron, both sides having been repaired at one point (we had the right side restored and a modern screw added for strength). Underside has later added metal straps to give strength to the frame. Not examined beneath most of the upholstery. Retains it's original casters. We have 99 images of this sofa available on our website - a link can be sent upon request.

Similar to:
Duncan Phyfe (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 33.13 in (84.16 cm)Width: 79.5 in (201.93 cm)Depth: 24.75 in (62.87 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 19th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1402ZAZ25-Q1stDibs: LU105901355612

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