拍品专文
This table is a rare labelled Phyfe form. While he was a cabinetmaker for over a half-of-a century (1792-1847), only a small number of labelled objects are known. It is thought that Phyfe used this Fulton Street label from about 1820, when Partition Street was renamed, until 1837, when his label began to reflect his collaboration with his sons. Identical labels appear on a secretary desk made for Thomas Lattimer Bowie in 1820, illustrated in Nancy McClelland, Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency (New York, 1939), pp.247 and 264.
While the carved toupie feet, ormolu mounted columns and overall form were informed by the French Empire style, Phyfe created his own distinctive style. The table being offered here is stylistically consistent with other Phyfe card tables ostensibly made before and after this one; they include one made for Mr. Samuel A. Foot of New York in 1837, another made for Mr. John Jacob Astor (both illustrated in McClelland, pp.272, pl.259, and pp.252, plate 239) and a third possibly made for Stephen Whitney (see Sotheby's New York, January 24-27, 1995, lot 2151).
While the carved toupie feet, ormolu mounted columns and overall form were informed by the French Empire style, Phyfe created his own distinctive style. The table being offered here is stylistically consistent with other Phyfe card tables ostensibly made before and after this one; they include one made for Mr. Samuel A. Foot of New York in 1837, another made for Mr. John Jacob Astor (both illustrated in McClelland, pp.272, pl.259, and pp.252, plate 239) and a third possibly made for Stephen Whitney (see Sotheby's New York, January 24-27, 1995, lot 2151).