Sofa
ca. 1810- 20
A wealthy Portsmouth ship captain, George McClean, was the original owner of this sofa. His name was branded on the sofa's frame for fire insurance identification-urban fires consumed whole streets of dwellings and as the most costly furnishings were typically removed to the streets for preservation, marked belongings ensured their return to the owner. Sofas, typically priced from $35 to $46, were the most expensive seating furniture at this time.
Mahogany and birch veneer, secondary wood elm or maple, modern upholstery
34 x 72 x 24 in. (86.4 x 182.9 x 61cm)
Gift of Ruth J. Nutt
2005.180
Provenance: Mr. George McClean (d. 1820), Portsmouth, New Hampshire, until 1820; Supply Ham, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from 1820; (unknown); Israel Sack, Inc., 4 November 1985; Ruth Nutt, Orcas, Washington, 1985-2005; gifted Seattle Art Museum 2005.
