American Classical Carved Mahogany Sofa, early 19th c., probably New York, School of Duncan Phyfe, incurvate crest rail surmounted by carved eagles, reeded arms and seat rail, winged hairy paw feet, h. 36 in., l. 89 1/2 in., d. 25 in . Provenance: The Stanley Weiss Collection, Providence, RI. Note: The stunning and exceptionally rare sofa offered here is a unique example of both Classical design and patriotic symbolism. The intricately carved eagle heads surmounting the crest rail are both an ancient Classical motif and a symbol of the establishment of the new American Republic on the world stage during the early 19th century. The sofa’s base is nearly identical in its overall form as Duncan Phyfe’s landmark “Grecian” sofa and features the same proportions, reeded seat rail, scrolled arms, and Phyfe’s distinctively carved winged paw feet.
Ref.: Kenny, Peter M. et al. Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2011, p. 185. For a similar example, see Christies, New York, Property from the Westervelt Company, Sept. 25, 2013, lot 109.