Room from the Powel House, Philadelphia

1765–66, remodeled 1769–71
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 722
The house at 244 South Third Street in Philadelphia from which this room was taken was constructed in 1765–66 by shipmaster and merchant Charles Stedman. Declining fortunes forced Stedman to sell the house almost immediately after its completion and it was purchased on August 2, 1769, by Samuel Powel for ₤3,150. Powel was the wealthy young scion of a notable Philadelphia family. Educated at the College of Philadelphia (later the University of Pennsylvania), he embarked on a seven-year-long Grand Tour of Europe. He purchased the house on South Third Street five days before he married Elizabeth Willing and almost immediately set about renovating it to reflect the new couple's wealth, taste, and refinement. Located behind the ballroom on the house's second floor, the room's initial function is unclear. It may have been used in conjunction with the ballroom for refreshments; or it may have been the house's best bedchamber. Powel employed some of Philadelphia's finest craftsman in the remodeling. The room's marble fireplace surrounds, the crossetted overmantle, and the verdigris-painted foliate ornament reflected the most up-to-date Georgian taste in Philadelphia. Powel would go on to serve as the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule, and the first after the Revolution. He frequently entertained such luminaries as George Washington and John Adams, who referred to the house with its fine decoration as a "splendid seat."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Room from the Powel House, Philadelphia
  • Date: 1765–66, remodeled 1769–71
  • Geography: Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Wood and plaster
  • Dimensions: Dimensions unavailable
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
  • Object Number: 18.87.1–.4
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

Audio

Cover Image for 4347. Powel House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

4347. Powel House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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NARRATOR: George Washington, John Adams, and other leading figures in this nation’s early history spent time in this room, in its original location in Philadelphia.On the eve of the American Revolution, when the Powel House was built, Philadelphia was the country’s leading center of style and taste.This parlor, and adjacent ballroom were intended to impress guests.One historian aptly described the room as “an island of formality.” The marble-topped pier table against the wall on the left, and the looking glass above it, were important status symbols of their day. Looking glasses were frequently placed between two windows for practical reasons.When you looked in the mirror, sunlight streaming through the windows would illuminate your face. No expense was spared in the Powel House. As we can see in this room, some of the craftsmanship is purely for pleasure—in particular, the green painted carved wood ornament of the mantel on the right…and the intricate plaster design of the ceiling. Though not original to the room, the hand-painted 18th century Chinese wallpaper is a type found in the grandest houses at this time. The handsome, elegantly carved mahogany chairs that fill the room are examples of the Chippendale style, with angled backs, and curved legs that terminate in claw and ball feet. Typically all of the chairs in this room would have been lined up against the walls, except when in use. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, roughly 100 years later, that chairs were placed in designated spots. But this room is set up for tea.

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