Maker
Johann Michael Jahn (American, born Prussia, 1816–1883)American, born Prussia, 1816–1883
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Sofa
Datec. 1855
Made inNew Braunfels, Texas, United States
MediumBlack walnut; black walnut veneer, pine, and modern upholstery
Dimensions42 1/2 × 81 1/2 × 27 3/8 in. (108 × 207 × 69.5 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill in memory of Peter C. Marzio
Object numberB.2010.8
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Room
On view
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Department
Bayou BendObject Type
This sofa features arms and legs that reflect the Late Classical style of the 1820s and 1830s, while the extravagant curves of the back show the Rococo Revival influence of the mid-1800s. Walnut veneers enliven the surfaces of the frame, and the edges of the front rail and the arm supports have the additional emphasis of applied moldings.
Adapted from Lonn Taylor and David B. Warren. Texas Furniture: The Cabinetmakers and Their Work, 1840–1880. Vol. 1, rev. ed. Austin, Tex.: University of Texas Press, 2012.
ProvenanceBy tradition, made for Margarethe Schertz Von Coll Guenther (1832–1906), New Braunfels, Texas; descended to her granddaughter Mrs. Fred D’Albini; descended to her daughter Winifred D'Albini McKee; collected by [Eva Woosley, New Braunfels]; purchased by William J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston; given to MFAH, 2007.
Exhibition History"Classical Taste in America: 1800–1840," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, April 29–July 24, 1994.
"A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, October 2, 2016–January 2, 2017.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed on a white sticker on the underside, near the front left: 75-119-30 LE(1) / WiN McKEE
[No marks]
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
c. 1700–1730
Black walnut, undetermined burl veneer, and eastern white pine; eastern white pine, black walnut, yellow-poplar, cherry, Cuban oyster wood (Gymnanthes lucida), and chestnut
B.69.42
c. 1700–1725
Black walnut, walnut veneer, and aspen; eastern white pine
B.69.45
c. 1700–1725
Black walnut, burled walnut veneer, soft maple, and aspen; eastern white pine, hemlock, and birch
B.69.43
c. 1820–1830
Grained, painted, and gilded mahogany, and birch; mahogany veneer on eastern white pine with black walnut banding, ash, eastern white pine, cherry, and original brass casters
B.68.31
John Henry Belter
1855
Rosewood and rosewood veneer; black walnut, mahogany, eastern white pine, yellow-poplar, undetermined exotic wood (possibly eucalyptus), marble, and mirrored glass
B.81.9.10
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