19th Century American Furniture and Design

Introduction to the American Wing

• Focus on the 19th century.
• Display of four chairs showcasing different interpretations of the klismos chair form by American craftsmen in the late neoclassical period.
• Each chair is unique in design reflecting different elements such as:
  • Quality of wood and mahogany grain.
  • Painted surfaces.
  • Combination of painted surfaces and upholstery.
  • Use of Greek key motif.

Lanlan Yay's Pier Table

• Lanlan Yay: French immigrant and cabinetmaker in New York, popular with upper-class American families.
• Brought the French Empire style to America, modified for local tastes and materials.
• Differences in materials:
  • Flatter, smaller mounts imported from France.
  • Use of wood, gesso, and gilding for sculptural elements due to lack of bronze casting.
• Similarities with French style:
  • High-quality veneer.
  • Use of gilding and bold forms.

Greek Revival Parlor

• Typical elements in early 19th century American interiors.
• Arundel mirror above a Grecian couch (also known as a Meridian in the US, Recamier in France).
• Classicism prevalent in designs until around 1840.
• Features of the Grecian couch:
  • Asymmetrical, tight upholstery, curving ends.
  • Carved hairy pod feet and cornucopia motifs.
• Importance of cornucopia in American culture, symbolizing abundance.
• Painted surfaces replicating woodgrain and gilt mounts due to Napoleonic Wars affecting imports.

Greek Revival Parlor in a Brownstone

• Standardized room sizes; facing the street.
• Furniture by Duncan Phyfe (1837) in pillar and scroll style.
• Emphasis on wood grain, especially mahogany.
• Suites of furniture made for specific rooms.

Interior Design Elements

• Valances with deep fringe and tassels.
• Wall-to-wall carpeting with classical motifs.
• Fireplace with ionic columns and dark marble.
• Meridian sofas with bold, solid, pillar-like legs.
• Scrolling elements in the center table and armchairs.
• Quiet room atmosphere with plain upholstery and tight fabrics.

Duncan Phyfe's Contribution

• Leading cabinetmaker in the federal style.
• Evolution to late neoclassical design.
• Final stages of his career reflected in the suite of furniture in the Greek Revival parlor.