Lot 1450
  • 1450

VERY FINE AND RARE CHIPPENDALE CARVED MAHOGANY AND MAPLE TESTER BEDSTEAD, POSSIBLY BY JOHN AND/OR THOMAS SEYMOUR, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1800 |

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • Height 90 in. by Width 52 in. by Length 77 5/8 in.

Provenance

Israel Sack, Inc., New York, purchased in 1926

Condition

Overall fine condition. Wear and discoloration commensurate with age and use. The brass bolt covers are lacking. Age cracks to the vertical supports. The proper front right post was previously cracked and reglued approximately 6" from the top of the post. The four horizontal curtain rails are replaced. IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS LOT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING OR COLLECTION AT 1334 YORK AVENUE AFTER FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 5PM. THIS LOT WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT CROZIER FINE ART, ONE STAR LEDGER PLAZA, IN NEWARK, NJ BEGINNING FRIDAY, JANUARY 25. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT SOTHEBYS.COM/PICKUP.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This sophisticated mahogany bedstead displays design elements consistent with the fine craftsmanship of John (1738-1818) and Thomas Seymour (1771-1849) of Boston. The precisely executed acanthus carving and reeding, use of rich materials, and unity of form are common in their shop practice. In particular, the acanthus-leaf and reeding of the lower footposts follows a familiar pattern executed by Thomas Wightman, the English trained carver responsible for the high style carving in the Seymour shop from circa 1797 to 1815. He executed related carving on several mahogany sideboards that are firmly attributed to the Seymours, including one in the collection of Mark and Sandra Keily, one in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one at the Peabody Essex Museum, and one in a private collection.1
A related bedstead at Winterthur Museum attributed to John and Thomas Seymour with carving attributed to Thomas Wightman has similar carved foot posts with elongated reeded vase turnings.2 It survived with a history in the Derby family and may have been one of the six bedsteads in the estate inventory of Elizabeth Derby West of Salem and Danvers.

1
See Robert D. Mussey Jr., The Furniture Masterworks of John & Thomas Seymour (Salem: Peabody Essex Museum, 2003, no. 44, pp. 222-3, no. 43, pp. 220-1, no. 41, pp. 216-7, and no. 37, p. 208-9.
2 see Ibid, no. 151, p. 436-7.