Early 19th Century Duncan Phyfe Grecian Plain Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

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About the Item

An important piece of American furniture, attributed to the shop of Duncan Phyfe, circa 1840. To quote "Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York," 2011 (Kenny, Brown). "At its best, Phyfe's Grecian plain style furniture captures, the strength, simplicity and noble repose that characterize the best Greek Revival architecture. Phyfe achieved this effect by using the classical orders, often in abstracted form, and a quiet yet radiant palette of warm-toned rosewood and mahogany veneers, meticulously selected and applied in architectural manner." This secretary employs the finest available mahogany and follows in the strict adherence to proportion and form that made this expression of Phyfe's later career so powerful. The piece exactly matches a description of a piece sold at auction dissolving the Phyfe showroom and warehouse in 1844. The "Grecian standard" or scroll leg with the molded pedestal base and convex disc are all hallmarks of Phyfe's iconic work from 1834-1841. The cornice is supported on either side by scroll brackets which have lambs tongue details below, features linking it to another Phyfe secretary bookcase sold through Northeast Auctions in 2009. There is evidence that the case built by Phyfe may have been originally conceived as an organ or melodeon and retrofitted perhaps for the sale of 1844. The cylinder desk cover opens and is supported by extending arms to reveal pigeon holes and document drawers. Offered here with gold and cream damask curtains.

Attributed to:
Duncan Phyfe (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 82.5 in (209.55 cm)Width: 49 in (124.46 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Style:
American Classical (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1830-1839
Date of Manufacture:
1838
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Original finish, repairs to veneer. One glass panel replaced. Some contraction cracks in veneer on curved desk fall front.
Seller Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2553313647022

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