American Mahogany Torchère by Unknown artist
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American Mahogany Torchère 1770

Unknown artist

WoodMahogany
85 cm, ø 24 cm
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

  • About the artwork
    A high torchère on a tripod of which the legs end in claws. The legs are carved with acanthus motives. The shape of the table top is commonly known as ‘pie-crust’ shape.
    This torchère is manufactured near Newport (Rhode Island) or possibly somewhat more to the south of Massachusetts. Typical for the American Chippendale style (app. 1755-1780) are the explicit regional characteristics of the furniture.
    In Newport mainly Cuban Mahogany was used for the fabrication of furniture, that was delicately carved or torsioned. The decoration of the knees with Acanthus or Palmette motives is fairly common. Most distinguished feature of the furniture originating from Newport and its direct vicinity is the shape of the ball under the claws that decorate the ends of the legs. These balls or seldom round but mostly oval shaped and more or less flatened. The shape of the torsioned node in the stem however resembles the style commonly seen in Massachusetts in this period and is seldom seen in Newport.
    Torchères have been in use since the early 17th century and were originally designed to support candlesticks. The traditional shape, with its long stem and tripod, that did not change through the years, made regional variances in decoration and shape – at least in North America – very much in demand.
  • About the artist

    It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

    Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

    As well you can find the following description:

    •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

    •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

    •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

    •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

    •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

    •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

    •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

    •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist