This is a magnificent fully embellished drop-leaf table, which represents the highest development of the Empire Classical form in New York, of the 1820s – 30s. A related table to this is illustrated in Barquist’sAmerican Tables and Looking Glasses, which he refers to as a Masterpiece of Classical Form (see scan). While the table he illustrates has carved panels flanking the upper drawer, our example had carved lions’ faces on the fully developed plinth, as a tradeoff (see detail below). No two of these are alike.

Please explore the various close-ups we illustrate. The carved columns, pineapple, acanthus leaves, and fully developed hairy paw feet speak for themselves, as the work of a gifted artisan. The top is single board Santo Domingo mahogany with beautiful deep figuring, and exhibits the more complex double cloved corner. The mahogany has a warm, amber glow. This table is one of the best.

Interestingly, another very similar table in this school also with a lion’s mask carving recently surfaced at auction (see scan).

Height: 30 1/4 in. Width: 25 1/2 – 50 1/2 in. Depth: 36 in.