Images(2)

Settee

Datec. 1795

Maker Unidentified

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany, yellow pine, oak, tulip poplar, black walnut

DimensionsOH: 38"; OW: 68 1/2"; OD: 31”

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number2020-151

DescriptionUpholstered settee; crest rail flat in center with ends curving down slightly towards arms; arms slightly sloping towards front with vertical termination and slight curve towards front rail; serpentine front seat rail and loose cushion; four square tapering legs in front, three in rear.

Woods: mahogany, yellow pine (back, arm stiles), oak (top arm and front rail); tulip poplar (glue blcks, back rail), black walnut (side rail)
Label TextAmerican sofa styles of the late-18 to early-19th centuries were typically inspired by British examples popularized by George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. This form is strongly influeced by plate 23 in George Hepplewhite's "The Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer's Guide" of 1794. The gently sloping ends of the crest rail on this sofa are likely the shape mentioned in the 1795 "Book of Prices" which described “An arch in the top rail to answer the arches in square back chairs.” Similar sofas were made by other American cabinet makers, including William Worthington, Jr. of Georgetown, Washington, DC and Henry or Joseph Ingles who trained in Philadelphia, also of Washington, DC or Alexandria, Virginia.
ProvenanceDonors purchased from Mullen Antiques, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania