Card table 1810 - 1815

This mahogany card table was crafted by Duncan Phyfe, a prominent cabinetmaker in early 19th-century America. Phyfe's designs were deeply rooted in European Neoclassicism, echoing the refined tastes of the upper classes. This table, with its elegant lines and classical motifs, speaks to the aspirations of a young republic seeking to establish its cultural identity through the adoption of European styles. The creation of luxury items like this wasn't divorced from the social realities of the time: its patronage came from the merchant class enriched by international trade, including the trade in enslaved people. To fully understand this piece, we delve into the social and economic history of the United States during Phyfe's era. Auction records, estate inventories, and genealogical research help us piece together the lives of those who commissioned and used such furniture. It connects us to a complex web of social relations and class aspirations.