Pier Table, about 1815–20
Boston
Mahogany, partially ebonized, with gilt-bronze mounts, gilt-brass moldings filled with lead, marble and mirror plate
34 1/2 in. high, 41 5/16 in. wide, 21 in. deep
One of the signature forms of the Neo-Classical period, the pier (or console) table received its name from its typical use against the wall, or pier, between two windows. Pier tables were made in considerable quantity, ranging in quality from the vernacular to the true masterpiece. Although the form of this table is similar to that of tables made elsewhere, particularly in New York, the combination of several elements found on documented Boston furniture of the period distinguish it as the product of a Boston shop: the ebonized ball feet encircled with brass moldings, the incurvate plinth, and the trio of fine gilt-bronze mounts.
Like so much of the best Boston furniture of this period, this table is unmarked by its maker and has no meaningful provenance. However, based upon marked and documented examples of the same character and similar construction we do know that the distinguished shops of Emmons & Archbald and the various Vose shops are likely candidates for its authorship in the years of about 1815–20.