Lot 407
An American Classical Carved Mahogany Sofa, 1820-1825, inscribed "G.W. Pickering, Maker, September 5, 1833, Barry", Philadelphia, arched arm supports faced with shells, "Roman" feet, height 35 1/2 in., width 92 1/2 in., depth 25 in. Illustrated: Boor. Philadelphia Empire Furniture. figure 233, p. 377. Note: The inscribed signature on this sofa likely refers to the workshop of Joseph Barry (Philadelphia 1759-1838). Barry advertised that he was retiring from the furniture trade in 1815, but continued a listing in the Philadelphia City Directory until 1833 (1), the date on this sofa. The crest rail, seat rail and feet on this sofa relate closely to two Philadelphia sofas from the Joseph Sorger residence (1624 Summer Street): one attributed to Anthony Quervelle, the other with the stencilled label of C.H. and J.F. White. (2) Barry, Quervelle, and the Whites all operated in the same neighborhood (Second and Walnut Streets); not only are specific design motifs shared amongst these firms, but also employment of the same artisans (such as Pickering) likely occurred. Reference: (1) Fennimore and Trump. "Joseph Barry, Philadelphia Cabinet Maker", Magazine Antiques, (May 1989), p. 1213. (2) Smith. "The Furniture of Anthony Quervelle, Part V: Sofas Chairs and Beds," Magazine Antiques, (March, 1974) fig. 2, p. 513.
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