Récamier
Datec. 1820
MediumMahogany, cane, upholstery, and ormolu
Dimensions29 × 74 × 28 inches (73.7 × 188 × 71.1 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase.
Object number1960.6
On View
On view
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextThis curule-style sofa has a scroll back and arms carved with fruit-filled cornucopiae and bow-knotted drapery swags. Reserves with fine caning are set above the curule base with lion's mask appliques ending in brass claw feet. Originally one of a pair, the unusual slant-back form may indicate that they were custom designed for a specific location in a house, perhaps along the walls of a double staircase where the back would follow the stairs' line of descent.
The sofas have a history of ownership with two of the most prominent families in early New York City, perhaps wedding presents to Philip Mesier Lydig and Catherine Mesier Suydam,second cousins who married in 1821.