An important pair of American Renaissance carved oak allegorical figures. The design attributed to Gustave Herter, the carving attributed to Ernst Plassmann, New York, circa 1853
1214W
An important pair of American Renaissance carved oak allegorical figures
The design attributed to Gustave Herter, the carving attributed to Ernst Plassmann, New York, circa 1853
Conceived as figures emblematic of the harvest, the first holding a gilded trumpet, wheat sheaves and pods, the opposing figure with an arrow with gourds and pods, both against an architectural scroll.
height of each 21 3/4in (55.2cm); width 21in (53.3cm); depth 9in (22.8cm)
Sold for US$ 18,300 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Literature:
    For a drawing of the entire cabinet, see The World of Science, Art and Industry Illustrated From Examples in the New York Exhibition, 1853-54;Benjamin Silliman, Jr., and C.R. Goodrich, eds, New York, 1854, Katherine Howe, Alice Frelinghuysen and Catherine Voorsanger, Herter Brothers, Furniture and Interiors for a Gilded Age, Harry Abrams, Inc., New York, 1994, p. 38, il. 15.

    Three pieces designed by Gustave Herter were exhibited in the 1853 exhibition in New York City. These pieces consisted of a bookcase, etagere and buffet. These sculptures adorned the left and right of the cornice of the buffet.

    The bookcase, executed in the Gothic style, is in the collection of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.

Category: Furniture / General Furniture

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