Window Seat 1810 - 1820

This window seat was created by Duncan Phyfe in the early 19th century. It is an example of the Neoclassical style that was popular in the United States at that time. Phyfe was one of the most important furniture makers in New York City, and his work was sought after by wealthy patrons. The window seat is a relatively simple piece of furniture, but it is made with great care and attention to detail. The legs are carved with delicate details, and the seat is covered in woven cane. The Neoclassical style was associated with the ideals of the Enlightenment, such as reason, order, and democracy. By adopting the Neoclassical style, Americans were signaling their commitment to these ideals. But while slavery persisted, these objects also reveal the hypocrisy of a nation founded on the idea of freedom. Museums and historical societies hold many resources, from letters to invoices, that can shed light on the social and institutional contexts that shaped the production of objects like this window seat.