A FEDERAL MAHOGANY VENEERED AND INLAID LIBRARY BREAKFRONT BOOKCASE

Impressive in scale and restrained in decoration, this mahogany library breakfront bookcase epitomizes the New York Federal style in its urbane design, use of beautifully figured veneers, the interplay of ovals and rectangles and extremely fine craftsmanship. George Hepplewhite (d. 1786), a British cabinetmaker, heavily influenced the taste of New York furniture in the late 18th to early 19th century. The present bookcase with its linear quality, straight front, cross-banded mahogany veneers and French splayed feet are all characteristic of Hepplewhite. Not as often seen on American furniture is the pointed-oval mullions. The ownership of such a stately bookcase suggests an extensive library which was universally the sign of an educated and affluent gentleman. For a bookcase with a similar base, see the Sack Archive at the Yale University Art Gallery, acc. no. 1202.