Description:

Very Fine and Rare American Rococo Revival Carved Rosewood Center Table, mid-19th c., attr. to John Henry Belter, New York, distinctive undulating white marble top, highly carved frieze centered by portrait busts, lion's mask corners, scrolling vines, crouching winged figural supports, paw feet, casters, h. 29 in., w. 46 1/2 in., d. 31 in. Note: This exceptionally rare and unique table, colloquially known by the collector as the “Jenny Lind” table, is a stunning example of New York cabinetmaker John Henry Belter’s use of figural carvings. Belter, most known for elaborate floral and foliate motifs in his Rococo revival furniture, occasionally incorporated human figures, such as in a well-known group of side chairs with crest rails surmounted by busts of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dante, and Vergil, and a related sofa with busts of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. A close comparison of the winged figural supports and the female busts centering the frieze on the table offered here to other Belter busts, such as those previously mentioned, display similar stylized features and proportions that relate to Belter’s overall work. The female busts centering the frieze of this circa 1850s table are purported to be modeled after 19th century singing sensation Jenny Lind, featuring Lind’s signature hairstyle. The Swedish-born singer became one of the most famous women of the period after entertainment entrepreneur P.T. Barnum booked Lind, already a rising star, on a nationwide tour of the U.S. that was immensely successful and skyrocketed Lind to stardom by 1850. In 1848, P.T. Barnum built an extravagant home in Bridgeport, Connecticut named “Iranistan,”, which was furnished by the best New York City cabinetmakers. It is a possible scenario that Belter had both Barnum and Lind, who was at the height of her popularity, in mind when he created this magnificent table. Ref.: Dubrow, Eileen and Richard. American Furniture of the 19th Century. Sciffer: Pennsylvania, 1983, p. 122; Stanek, Edward J., et. al. The Furniture of John Henry Belter and the Rococo Revival. E.P. Dutton: New York, 1981, pp.48-49; “Meet Jenny Lind, One of America’s First Female Celebrities,” Smithsonian Institution. americanhistory.si.edu/blog/jenny-lind. Accessed October 19, 2017; “Iranistan: The Lost Palace of Bridgeport, Connecticut.” KNOWOL. knowol.com/information/connecticut/iranistan-pt-barnum-bridgeport-ct. Accessed October 19, 2017.

  • Notes: All lots are sold “As is” and “Where is”. Neal Auction provides condition reports on items with a low estimate over $500 as a courtesy to aid in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalogue or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. Completed condition reports are posted as an additional image with the lot. Neal Auction does not give refunds.

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November 18, 2017 10:00 AM CST
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $999,999 $5,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $10,000
$2,000,000 $2,999,999 $15,000
$3,000,000 + $20,000