Stand 1778 - 1781

This mahogany stand was made in New York, around 1765-1790 by William Sprats. During this period, New York was emerging as a vital port city, deeply entangled in the transatlantic trade, including the trade of enslaved peoples. This stand, with its refined elegance, would have been a symbol of wealth and status, reflecting the complex social hierarchy of the time. Consider the hands that shaped it and those who benefited from the system that enabled its creation. What stories could it tell if it could speak of the conversations held around it, the objects it displayed, and the lives it witnessed? The intricate carvings and graceful lines reflect a desire for sophistication. Yet they also evoke questions about the labor and resources that fueled this aesthetic pursuit. It serves as a poignant reminder of the interwoven histories of artistry, privilege, and exploitation that underpin much of our material culture.