With its elegant design and masterful carving, this sofa is one of the finest examples of late neoclassical style furniture made in Boston. The Grecian-inspired motifs, such as the animated winged paw feet, speak to Americans’ desire to align themselves with the perceived virtues of the classical past. The sofa is the work of Isaac Vose & Son of the South End, where some of the preeminent craftsmen in the city collaborated in its creation. The superb carving, including the stylized dolphin-shaped arm supports with lotus petals and half palmettes, is attributed to English-trained carving specialist Thomas Wightman. The integrated classical design and superior execution is attributed to cabinetmaker Thomas Seymour. Working together from 1819 through 1825 and supported by the business acumen of Isaac Vose, these craftsmen produced some of the most well-crafted and elegant furniture of the era.

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