Cleveland Museum of Art

Sofa

Date

c. 1820

Medium

wood with painted and gilded decoration

Culture

America, New York, Empire style, 19th century

Department

Decorative Art and Design

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The classically inspired elements of design such as the scrolled arms and the well executed gilt decoration identifies this sofa as an example of American Empire style furniture almost certainly made in New York City. At first glance you might not notice the animals, but look closely and you will discover the small faces of lions and the outstretched wings of eagles that decorate this sofa's frame. Furniture made in the Empire style was adapted from ancient Grecian forms by Parisian and American cabinet makers influenced by the classical style.

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