It was in 2008 at the Philadelphia Antique Show that I spotted a pair of diminutive, card table–sized classical pier tables with a recognizable lyre base, indicative of the Haines-Connolly school of cabinet work in Philadelphia at the turn of the 19th century, circa 1810.
I had been specifically concentrating on the lyre form as it was expressed during this period and, by that time, already had many examples in various iterations. Marble tops, however, are very rare—and to find a pair, no less, in fine condition was an absolute must-have! Sometimes, one simply has to pay up and rationalize an irrational price—at least, that’s how it felt to me at the time—in order to acquire the very best. I knew I couldn’t forgive myself if I walked away empty-handed.
I found the pair at Joseph Kindig’s booth at the show. The price was $80,000, and it took my breath away, while my heart beat with the desire to own and possess. Across from Kindig’s was the booth of Hirschl & Adler Galleries, with Stuart Feld as its director. He was the only dealer who always included a few choice classical pieces in their collection—even though, historically, they were known as painting dealers. Stuart was both a dealer and a true scholar, and he knew that the classical lyre form was of particular interest to me and our collection. I still remember Stuart gently encouraging me to write the check.
How could I not acquire this? I knew I’d be severely disappointed—depressed, even—if I passed on it and went home empty-handed. As a collector, I had to have the very best of its type.
There have been no other pairs of this form, either privately or publicly at auction. Its uniqueness and beauty, as a masterpiece of the early Philadelphia classical period, speak for themselves.
Previously, it came as no surprise to learn the pair had been handled years ago by Harry Arons, who secured many masterpieces for a handful of major dealers—Israel Sack among them.
Bottom line: sometimes, when passion calls, you have to pay up. The collector’s drive demands action—especially when acquiring a piece worthy of the highest tier in the hierarchy of collections.
Provenance: Harry Arons Ansonia, Connecticut; Joseph Kindig
H: 30 1/ 2in. W: 38 1/2 in.