Sofa
Federal style, 1790-1810
Baltimore
Before the Revolution, sofas were a rare item found only in the homes of the very wealthy. By the early Federal period, the use of sofas in drawing rooms and parlors became more widespread among the well-to-do. This sofa was of a shape referred to as “cabriole.” The design, based on Plate 24 in the book published by English cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite (The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, 1788, 1794), was one that was favored in Baltimore. The inlaid bellflowers which ornament the legs are also of the design typical of Baltimore craftsmanship.
Mahogany. H 91.4, W 190.5, D 73.7 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 21432