Neal Auction 2012

96 411. A Fine American Classical Paint and Gilt-Decorated Sofa , c. 1815-1825, Baltimore, “cupid’s bow” crest, “Pompeii” red ground with gilt anthemia and scrolls, scrolled arms and seat rail with fruiting garlands, saber legs, brass paw feet, casters, height 39 1/2 in., width 97 1/2 in., depth 25 in. $7000/9000 Illustrated: Boor. Philadelphia Empire Furniture , fig. 240. p. 386. Note: Though painted sofas by Baltimore cabinet makers such as the lot offer here are rare, several other known examples also with a serpentine rail centered by a tablet, and scroll arms and legs, include the sofa from Beechwood, the Water’s family home in Somerset County, Maryland (now conserved by the Maryland Historic Society, acc. 79.51.4). The elongated anthemion motif on the crest and legs of this sofa are similar to those on a number of painted pieces from the shop of Hugh Finlay (fl. 1803-1830) including a couch and a games table ordered by Humberton Skipworth from Finlay in 1819; the legs on this sofa are identical to those on a sofa attributed to Finlay in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston; and also a sofa made for the Rev. George Morrison (1797-1837). Reference: Weidman. Furniture and Maryland 1740-1940 . p. 168, fig. 133; Miller. American Antique Furniture: A Book for Amateurs No. 566. Elder. Baltimore Painted Furniture, 1800-1840 , No. 32; all Finlay examples are illustrated in Weidman and Goldsborough. Classical Maryland, Fine and Decorative Arts from the Golden Age , fig. 120-123, pp. 98-101 respectively. 412. An Antique American Classical Carved and Gilded Mirror , blocked cornice with acorn pendants, conforming frieze, applied rosettes, divided mirror plate, split baluster surround, height 38 in., width 23 in. $500/750 413. An Antique American Classical Carved Mahogany Pier Mirror , blocked pediment and frieze, divided mirror plate, split baluster surround, height 45 1/2 in., width 23 in. $500/750 411 412 413