Federal (Week 4) Flashcards
Federal dates and characteristics
1790 - 1820
Eagles, Urns, Columns (classical motifs)
feminine, light, delicate
boom period, influx of immigrants, economic opportunity in America
cont. adherance to English architecture and designs
increased use of pattern books
price books - established cost
improved transportation networks (less regional distinction)
geometric forms
carving, veneer, light and dark contrasts
pictorial and patterned inlay
Federal Forms
Sideboards
Knife Boxes (for flatware)
Lady’s Worktables
Lady’s Writing Desks with Tambour Shutters (Tambour Desks)
Lolling Chairs (developed out of easy chairs)
Design Books
George Hepplewhite, Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, 1788
Thomas Sherator, Cabinet Directory, Cabinet Maker and Upholster’s Drawing Book
Designs for all types of furniture
Knowledge of classical design
Secretary
Seymour
Boston
tiger maple that looks light yellow
Eagle finial
Sofa
Samuel McIntire
Salem, MA
carving elements, central fruit
Sideboard
Seymours
Boston
Stepped Form
Turned legs
dark and light wood
Federal chairs
various locations
variety in backs - shield, oval, tablet backs
thin elements, fragile, rectilinear
no cabriole/claw and ball
Worktable
Boston
1800
small, portable, new form
upholstered bag for work items
John and Thomas Seymour
Important Boston cabinetmakers of the Federal Period
father and son team
trained in England
settled in Boston by 1795
worked in satin wood
dominated cabinet making for upper class for next 20 years
wealthiest clients in Boston and surrounding area
Tambour Desk
Seymour (earliest pieces, labeled)
1800
Boston
satinwood
tambour shutters, gothic arched pigeon holes
knee brakcets
Commode
Seymours
carving by Thomas Wightman, painted still life by John Penniman
1808
birch, mahogany
glue blocks for construction
made for Madame Derby
color contrasts, pie shaped, wedge drawers swing out
brass feet and pulls
top - crowning glory, inlay radiating panels, still life painting of scientif labeled shells
conspicous consumption
Sideboard with Castors
Seymour for Derby family
1810
unusual to have tambour shutters on lower section
Elastic Chair
Patented by Samuel Gragg
Boston
1808
Salem, MA
1790 - 1820 heyday
secondary city
large craft community
venture cargo trade for cabinet makers
Chest on Chest
carved by Samuel McIntire for Derby Family at Oak Hill House
1806 - 1809
classical urn finials, columns
allegorical figure of lady liberty representing the new nation