Taboret 1832 - 1842

This taboret was crafted by Duncan Phyfe, one of early 19th century America's leading cabinetmakers. Phyfe's designs, while celebrated for their elegance, remind us of the complex social dynamics of the time. The classical style, so evident in the stool's form, also evokes the values of republicanism, which shaped the new nation. Yet, these ideals of equality and liberty stood in stark contrast to the realities of slavery and indentured servitude that underpinned much of the economic prosperity which afforded the creation of this stool. The fine craftsmanship and imported materials speak to the wealth and status of its intended owner, while obscuring the labor and exploitation that made such luxury possible. As we admire this object, we should also be aware of the social structures it represents, reflecting on the gap between the era's stated ideals and its lived realities.