Thursday, September 18, 2008

Tripod Candlestand


This delicate, somewhat frail looking table stands at 27 inches high and was designed for use as a candle stand.  Made in 1790, the designer (who is unknown) used two woods, mahogany and birch, and metal bolts to attach the pieces.  This stand was made when the neoclassicism style was popular in Europe in the late 18th and 19th centuries.  This style was later adopted by Americans and called Federal style.  A familiar name associated with federal style furniture is Hepplewhite or Sheraton, both designers who
represent the style, as opposed to actually designing many of the pieces.  The octagonal top, at 16 inches wide, and spindle-turned wooden post is attached by a birch brace and secured by metal bolts, as well as the post to the curved tripod legs.  The delicate spindle work of the post shows great woodworking skills, used widely in federal style furniture and architecture.  This candle stand can now be found in the Nichols House Museum as one of their permanent collections.  

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