Card Table

Attributed to Duncan Phyfe American, born Scotland

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The hinged top of this table appears to rest weightlessly upon the heads of griffins—mythical beasts with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. In Western culture, griffins often symbolized courage and boldness, or served as guardian spirits. The feathered crests and wings, expanded ribcage, and pronounced musculature of the hindquarters and paws have been expertly carved to evoke a sense of naturalism in their hybrid forms.

Card Table, Attributed to Duncan Phyfe (American (born Scotland), near Lock Fannich, Ross-Shire, Scotland 1768/1770–1854 New York), Rosewood, satinwood, painted and gilded gesso, brass, American

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