Mantel from Elias Hasket Derby House, Salem, Massachusetts 1798

This elaborately carved white marble mantelpiece was created in 1798 by the renowned American woodcarver Samuel McIntire. It features a central frieze with a classical theme, flanked by fluted columns adorned with delicate floral carvings. Originally installed in the Elias Hasket Derby House in Salem, Massachusetts, the mantelpiece embodies the Federal style, characterized by its graceful proportions, classical motifs, and refined elegance. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is now located, acquired the mantelpiece in 1929. It is a testament to McIntire’s mastery of woodworking and the sophistication of American craftsmanship in the late 18th century.