Physical Qualities
Mahogany, mahogany and rosewood veneers, tulip poplar, white pine, maple; brass, ormolu; glass, 89 3/4 x 50 1/2 x 27 1/2 in. (228 x 128.3 x 69.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Young Friends of the American Wing Fund
Object Number
1989.616a-d
Born in England, John Meads immigrated to New York City in 1792 at the age of 15 along with his master, Samuel Miller. A decade later, Meads moved to Albany and married the daughter of a local lumber merchant. By 1810 he was Albany’s premier cabinetmaker. William Alvord joined the firm in about 1820, becoming a partner in 1827. Guided by Meads’ British roots and training, the company produced sophisticated pieces in an English Regency style. Here, the magnificently carved mahogany Prince of Wales feathers (three large ostrich plumes) complement a powerful rosewood veneered cabinet with its massive overhanging cornice, bold faceted legs, and large bun feet. The unusual hardware is often found on pieces by Meads and Alvord.
Christie's, New York; Gary L. Carlisle Collection, New York (by trade with previous owner); The Columbia County Historical Society, Kinderhook, N.Y., deaccessioned 1980; Estate of William Halsted Vanderpoel, 1975 gift to the Historical Society; descended
Wendy A. Cooper, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Classical Taste in America, 6/27-9/26/93, no. 169, pp. 212, 297, ill. p. 213; circu- lated to Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, through July 1994.
Jeanne Sloane, 'Le Style Antique,' American Style, Auction News, [July-October] 1989, Christie's, New York, (unpaginated), ill. 'Fine American Furniture, Silver, Folk Art and Decorative Arts,' Christie's, New York, October 21, 1989, Sale 6922, Lot 291, ill.
Wendy A. Cooper. Classical Taste in America 1800-1840. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Museum of Art; New York: Abbeville Press, 1993, page 213.
Inscribed: Stamped once at top leaft rear of upper case and once at top left of lower case with the brand of the Vanderpoel family 'J V P' cojoined.
