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Card Table

Attributed to Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland
1815–25
Not on view
The hinged top of this table appears to rest weightlessly upon the heads of griffins—mythical beasts with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. In Western culture, griffins often symbolized courage and boldness, or served as guardian spirits. The feathered crests and wings, expanded ribcage, and pronounced musculature of the hindquarters and paws have been expertly carved to evoke a sense of naturalism in their hybrid forms.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Card Table
  • Maker: Attributed to Duncan Phyfe (American (born Scotland), near Lock Fannich, Ross-Shire, Scotland 1768/1770–1854 New York)
  • Date: 1815–25
  • Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Rosewood, satinwood, painted and gilded gesso, brass
  • Dimensions: 29 1/4 x 36 x 18 in. (74.3 x 91.4 x 45.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: Partial and Promised Gift of James and Laura Freeman, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.538
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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Sofa, Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland, Mahogany, gilt brass, tulip poplar, American
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1810–20
Side Chair, Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland, Mahogany, ash, tulip poplar, American
Side Chair
Duncan Phyfe
1800–1810
Pianoforte, Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland, Satinwood, rosewood, American
Pianoforte
Duncan Phyfe
Gibson & Davis
1810–15
Side Chair, Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland, Mahogany, ash, cherry, American
Side Chair
Duncan Phyfe
1805–15
Side Chair, Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland, Mahogany, maple, American
Side Chair
Duncan Phyfe
1805–15

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