CONNELLY-HAINES SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA, 1800-1810

The Philadelphia cabinetmaker Ephriam Haines is best known for the lavish set of carved ebony seating furniture that he made for Stephen Girard of Philadelphia in 1807. The delicate, finely executed carving on the legs of this cylinder desk and bookcase is very closely in keeping with the carving on that documented set, suggesting that it too came from Haines' shop. While Haines' contemporary Henry Connelly was also making furniture with carving in this style, and possibly using the services of the same carver, the turned feet of this desk and bookcase are of the form more generally associated with Haines' shop. Whomever the maker, the workmanship and form is of the finest quality, and it likely came from one of Philadelphia's best cabinet shops of the early 19th century.