Piano stools took a lot of use and very few have survived intact as this one has. The carving throughout is the best. It’s deep and well-conceived, particularly the main column and acanthus carving in heroic depth. This stool remains in original condition, even with the stenciling that’s never seen on the front seat rail (see detail).

It’s the dolphin that’s so desirable in this piece. It’s all there with no breaks. Obviously, this was a very loved piece. Regarding the dolphin, please see the Classical Dolphin Sofa in our collection (sw01588) for an example of this form expressed on a larger piece. For other expressions and interpretations of the dolphin, click here. A closely related New York piano stool is illustrated in Wendy Cooper’s Classical Taste in America (cat. no. 215, see below).