One from a Pair of Federal Mahogany Tilt-Top Candlestands

Object Details

Object Essay

Candlestands with an oval or octagonal tilt top, an urn-shaped column, and bowed, finely shaped legs ending in spade feet are generally thought to have been made in Massachusetts between 1780 and 1800. Unfortunately, very few American examples are documented either to maker or place of origin, so the attribution of this object to Massachusetts is based on the large numbers of such stands found in that area and the use of birch as a secondary wood rather than on specific evidence.^{1_{Three related candlestands are illustrated in Sack Collection, 32: P4644, 33: P4731, and 36: P5133.}}

In overall form and the shape of the urn, this table relates to one at Winterthur with alternating rays of birch and mahogany veneers on the oval top. This decorative motif was used on a commode made by Thomas Seymour for Mrs. Elizabeth Derby West and on a sideboard attributed to William Hook (1777–1867).^{2_{Montgomery 1966, 389. A discussion of Mrs. West’s furniture is included in Cooper 1980, 132–36.}} Winterthur’s table is therefore thought to have been made in Boston or Salem.  

Page Talbott

Excerpted from Clement E. Conger, et al. Treasures of State: Fine and Decorative Arts in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the U.S. Department of State. New York: H.N. Abrams, 1991.