Sofa 1850 - 1860

This sofa, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was made by John Henry Belter, an innovator in the American decorative arts scene. Belter used laminated rosewood, a material that allowed for unprecedented levels of carving and piercing. What sets Belter apart is his inventive approach to production. He pioneered a method of layering thin sheets of rosewood, gluing them together, and then steam-bending them into shape. This technique enabled the creation of incredibly intricate, almost lace-like designs that would have been impossible with solid wood. The sofa's exuberant floral motifs and flowing lines are a testament to this process. Belter’s workshop was one of the first to employ something approaching mass production in the crafting of furniture. His techniques allowed for efficiency, but also required a workforce of skilled artisans. This sofa, therefore, stands as an example of how technological innovation and handcraft intersected in the 19th century. It prompts us to reconsider how we value both artistry and labor.