Images(2)

Sofa

Date1790-1815

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk (probably)

MediumMahogany, yellow pine, tulip poplar (by micro id) modern upholstery

DimensionsOH: 34 ½”; OW: 69 ½”; OD: 28 ½”

Credit LineGift of Thomas T. Egelhoff

Object number2024-249

DescriptionRectangular sofa; upholstered seat, back, and arms; straight mahogany crest rail with slightly raised rectangular center section carved with stylized leaves; mahogany arms sweep gently down from crest meeting sweep of arm support from seat rail; edges of arms and crest rail beaded; four square, tapered front legs; four squared rear legs; non-original castors on all legs; rectangular stretchers between front and rear legs; medial and rear stretchers; modern upholstery.
Label TextDespite the high cost of such large upholstered forms, sofas were in great demand among fashion-conscious Virginians by 1800. Owned in the Talbot family of Talbot Hall, Norfolk, Virginia, the outward design of the sofa may have been inspired by a British source such as plate 23 in George Hepplewhite’s THE CABINET-MAKER AND UPHOLSTERER’S GUIDE (1794). Another Norfolk sofa in Colonial Williamsburg's collection, #1978-12, was inspired by Thomas Sheraton’s designs.
ProvenanceDescended in the Talbot family of Talbot Hall, Norfolk, VA to Caroline Brackenridge Talbot [1925-2024] (Williamsburg, VA); 2024, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).