Card Table
Probably Henry Connelly American
The attribution of this card table is based on its similarity to a pair of tables Henry Connelly made for the prominent Philadelphia banker and philanthropist Stephen Girard in 1817. All are distinguished by their elegant proportions, shimmering mahogany surfaces, and fine carving. Dolphins--popular French-inspired motifs in both New York and Philadelphia furniture during the early decades of the nineteenth century--here grace a lyre-shaped central support. Although lyre motifs are common features in furniture designs during this period, it is rare to find one combined with or formed by whimsical creatures. The result is a striking and highly original composition, enlivened by the dolphins’ sinuous scaled bodies and interlaced tails.
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