ITEM SW00886: A Carved Mahogany Classical Sofa, Phyfe School, c.1810

In New York, during the first quarter of the 19th century, a number of fine cabinetmakers were producing the new classical style and the Phyfe workshop was considered one of the best of his contemporaries. However, many formerly of his shop, were of equal rank…and this sofa certainly speaks of the top rank.

Note the rather elaborate cornucopia above each of the carved paw feet and, just above, the highly figured mahogany and crossbanded panels, the latter of which, to another maker, might not be quite necessary. The crest rail is also beautifully executed with strong carved rosettes (see detail below), which are further echoed at the top of each arm which is defined by the highly sought-after beautifully carved dolphin. Here the dolphin has been gilded to stand out and emphasize the specialness of this sofa, and put it in a class of its own.

This is one of the best sofas we have come by and is of a grand scale that would make a very important statement in any room.

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Height: 32 in. Length: 91 in. Depth: 25 in.