Gothic Revival Window Benches (A Pair)

Probably New York c. 1845-50

Window benches in the Gothic Revival taste are rare, and this is the only pair known to exist. Extraordinarily integrated and sculptural, they feature pierced trefoils on the bold Gothic arched end supports, as well as on their distinctive and dramatic pierced stretchers. An elaborate inset arcade surrounds the upholstered seats. With robust buttress-like scrolls springing from their octagonal pad feet, the stools recall the designs by August Welby Pugin done in the 1830’s.

Although their maker is uncertain, the quality of their design and crafts¬manship suggests that these upholstered benches may have been designed by an architect and, in any event, that they were probably produced in New York by one of its finest cabinetmakers.