American Gothic Revival carved and gilded settee. Primary wood appears to be mahogany or walnut, now covered by older added gesso and gilt paint. Fleur-de-lys finial atop a pierced tripartite crest with tracery carving and applied acanthus leaves, seat back framed by carved half-columns; padded armrests supported by quarter columns with ball finials. Cluster column legs with turned caps and supports, casters to the front and raked square legs to back. Upholstered in contemporary gold velvet fabric. 64-1/2" H x 75-1/2" W x 27" D overall. American, mid-19th century. Note: Formerly in Whirlwind Mansion, the property of Jake Butcher, the 1978 Democratic nominee for Tennessee governor and chairman of Knoxville's 1982 World's Fair. Butcher pleaded guilty to fraud in 1985 and was sentenced to a 20 year prison term, but was paroled in 1992. Provenance: Private Knoxville, TN estate. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

General wear to upholstery as well as scattered losses to decoration and scattered losses to gilding. Repaired break to center crest. Evidence of carved skirt application, now absent.