Sofa Table 1836 - 1846

This sofa table was crafted in the United States by J. & J.W. Meeks. Such furniture became status symbols during the rise of the American middle class. These functional yet decorative pieces were more than just tables. They represented aspirations of social mobility. The ornate carving of the table is typical of the Victorian era. It is an age when industrial manufacturing allowed for intricate designs to be mass-produced. It made them accessible to a wider audience. The use of imported wood also indicates the growing global trade networks of the time. These would have reflected the changing economic landscape of the 19th century. To really understand this table, we can explore archival records, trade catalogs, and social histories. These offer insights into the aspirations and values of the society that produced and consumed it.