Hampton

Late Neoclassical (Empire) style, 1832
Baltimore; made by John Finlay (fl. 1799-1840)

The single pier table from the Finlay Drawing Room suite is described as “1 peir [sic] Table frame with marble pillars ormalo [sic] caps & bases & Gilt Lions feet …$45.00.” Pier tables were often made in pairs and placed in the space between two windows, called a pier. The mirror in the back board increased the level of light in a room and was not intended for ladies to check their skirt hems. Although Finlay's bill stated the mounts on the marble pillars were ormolu (gilt bronze or brass), analysis during conservation treatment indicates the brass was coated with a colored shellac rather than gold leaf.

Painted wood, marble, glass, scagliola. H 94, W 106.8, D 45.7 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 1167