The World of Duncan Phyfe: The Fine Arts of New York, 1800-1847

The World of Ducan Phyfe: The Arts of New York, 1800-1847 is a presentation of over 100 works of art - fine and decorative - that together illustrate the strength and breadth of the artistry and craftsmanship in New York during the first half of the nineteenth century. Duncan Phyfe (1768 1854), whose name is known to even those with the most casual interest in American art and American history, holds a prominent place in a list of those who have made significant contributions to the arts of the United States. During the course of a career of more than four decades in America, Phyfe s shop produced extraordinary pieces of furniture for some of the wealthiest and most prominent figures of their time, in New York and beyond. The World of Duncan Phyfe includes not only a selection of works by Phyfe from each of his various periods, but also representative pieces by competing cabinetmakers in New York, among them Charles-Honoré Lannuier, Michael Allison, Thomas Constantine, and J. and J. W. Meeks, as well as other pieces that have hitherto defied meaningful attribution. Also included is a variety of other decorative arts dating from Phyfe s period of activity, including examples of silver, porcelain, metalwork, and lighting being made in New York, or in many cases produced abroad for an American clientele, together with a group of New York-centric paintings, works on paper, and sculpture.