Lot 279
A Rare American Walnut Tete-a-Tete, c. 1855-1865, Philadelphia, each oval button-tufted backrest cresting in a cartouche and with floriform shells, the padded arms terminating in mythological bird's heads, the swivel seats centered by a removable circular dish-shaped table top raised above a cushion, the undulating seat frame resting on shapely turned legs bordered with foliate cartouches, ending in brass casters. E12000/15000 Note: This rare salon piece is identical in design to one included as part of the original furnishings in Melrose Plantation, Natchez, Mississippi. Melrose is a time capsule retaining much of the original furnishings, including carpets and chandeliers. Philadelphia was the point of origin for most of the decorations, which is documented by bills of sale and cabinetmakers labels. This rare form with its table and armchair configuration on a sofa frame may have been supplied by the prominent Philadelphia cabinetmaker Charles White who was renowned for his Neo-Classical interpretations. His work is predominant throughout Melrose. George G. Henkels also operated one of the largest cabinetmaking establishments in Philadelphia. A fall-front desk by Henkels, now in the Virginia Crawford Collection, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, has elements which strongly relate to this tete-a-tete, most particularly the carved heads. Henkels pieces strongly rely on Rococo and Renaissance design sources, both of which are successfully incorporated within this unique piece.
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