Topic: history of new york city

Gillender Building, New York City

Historic Sites

City Hall subway station, New York

Turned armchair

The unusual construction of this armchair has antecedents in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century British three- and four-legged turned chairs that have a rectangular, raked back rail that overhangs the rear legs... more

Tumbler

This broad-lipped tumbler, with its lovely engraved cartouche and scrolled acanthus-leaf ornament, was made for Samuel (1669–1698) and Adriantje Bayard (b. 1667) Verplanck, probably on the occasion of their mar... more

Seal

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Mourning Ring

Mourning jewelry—jewelry that commemorates the dead—was commonly commissioned by early American colonists upon the loss of friends or loved ones. On this ring gold letters highlighted by black enamel wrap arou... more

Marble-slab table

A New York attribution for this table is supported by its Verplanck family history and the use of local sweet gum as a secondary wood. The bold cavetto-molded skirt with mitered corners is also particular to Ne... more

Punch Bowl

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Tankard

This silver-form pewter tankard is marked by Will, who emigrated to New York City from his native Germany before 1752. It is distinguished by its extremely rare wriggle work and punched decoration of stylized t... more

Teapot

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Easy chair

An easy chair was the product of two different craftsmen. The chair maker built the wood armature that determined the chair’s basic outline, while the upholsterer determined its ultimate shape. Although the C-s... more

Side Chair

Made in New York, United States

Viola

This viola is the oldest extant American violin family instrument. The instrument was built by Robert Horne, in New York City, and follows the English model of violin making, which is characterized by high arc... more

Fireback

Iron firebacks were cast in molds carved from mahogany. This funereal example features a central image of a tombstone with mourning drapes and flowers. Made in New York, New York, United States

Graduation Diploma

Made in New York, New York, United States

Andiron

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Ring

This gold and diamond ring was presented to Judith Crommelin (1739-1803) by Samuel Verplanck (1739-1820) at the time of their engagement in 1760. The rose cut diamonds are placed in closed-back settings, a typi... more

Card and backgammon table

The upper playing surface of this rare tripletop gaming table is inlaid with patterns of backgammon and chess boards; the lower one is lined with baize for playing cards. Otherwise, the table is characteristic ... more

Card Table

The most sophisticated New York Chippendale-style card tables have serpentine sides, shaped corners, gadrooned skirts, and five cabriole legs ending in claw-and-ball feet. The square corners supported candlesti... more

Salver

During the 1760s and 1770s gadrooned serpentine rims replaced the scroll-and- shell borders characteristic of mid-eighteenth-century salvers (see cat. no. 39). Although unmarked, the present salver closely rese... more

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

Card Table

Made in New York, United States

Side Chair

These chairs, from an original set of twelve, along with a settee (39.184.2) and a card table (39.184.12), descended en suite in the Verplanck family. Queen Anne features—the heavy walnut frame, balloon-shaped ... more

The south prospect of the city of New York in America

Print shows the waterfront on the south side of New York City with ships and boats in the foreground; prominent features numbered, legend not included.

Mourning Ring

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Mourning Ring

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Cradle

Made in New York, New York, United States

Settee (one of a pair) (part of a set)

Part of a larger set, this remarkable corner settee and its pair, also in the Museum, were commissioned by one of the most powerful figures in eighteenth-century Franconia, Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1708–17... more

Upholstery panels for a settee

Part of a larger set, this remarkable corner settee and its pair, also in the Museum, were commissioned by one of the most powerful figures in eighteenth-century Franconia, Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1708–17... more

Settee (one of a pair) (part of a set)

Part of a larger set, this remarkable corner settee and its pair, also in the Museum, were commissioned by one of the most powerful figures in eighteenth-century Franconia, Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1708–17... more

Upholstery panels for a settee

Part of a larger set, this remarkable corner settee and its pair, also in the Museum, were commissioned by one of the most powerful figures in eighteenth-century Franconia, Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1708–17... more

Portrait of a Lady

Kilburn arrived in New York from London in 1754 and remained the unrivalled portraitist of choice in the city for nearly twenty years. As seen here, he pleased his clients by offering them inventive attributes... more

Card table

This turret-top card table, so called for its projecting rounded corners, descended in the Verplanck family along with four side chairs (39.184.3-.6), a tea table (39.184.11), and an upholstered settee (39.184.... more

Settee

The high backs and low arms of eighteenth-century upholstered settees were ideal for supporting two or more sitters. The large and deep sofas that supplanted settees were intended for more informal lounging or ... more

Round tea table

The rimless top and cup, the flared shaft of the main pillar, and the small pillars of the box underneath the top are classic features of New York tea tables. Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, United States

Plan of New York City of New-York and its environs to Greenwich . . .T...

A South West View of the City of New York, in North America

Published in London in 1768, this prospect of New York was made when the city was under British control. Pierre Canot based his engraving on a drawing that Thomas Howdell, a Royal Artillery captain, made about ... more

A south east view of the city of New York, in North America Vue de sud...

Print shows two men sitting on a knoll under a tree in the foreground and a distant view of New York City with King's College, now Columbia University, the most prominent building visible.

Jug

This jug was probably made by John Crolius, whose family worked in New York City in an area known as Pot Baker’s Hill, just north of what is now City Hall Park. He and his brother, William, were among the area’... more

Plan of the city of New York, in North America: surveyed in the years ...

Cartouche showing allegorical scene with an English trader standing on the shore among barrels and bundles of merchandise and a Native wearing feathered headdress and skirt standing among barrels.

Incendie de New-York / dessiné par le Barbier peintre du Roi ; gravé p...

Print shows a riot in New York City and several buildings on fire.

Commode (Secrétaire à abattant)

Jean-Henri Riesener created this splendid commode and its companion secretary (20.155.11) for Marie-Antoinette in 1783. They were commissioned for the queen’s Grand Cabinet Intérieur at Versailles, where she ke... more

Drop-front secretary (Secrétaire en armoire)

Jean-Henri Riesener created this splendid secretary and commode for Marie-Antoinette in 1783. They were commissioned for the queen’s Grand Cabinet Intérieur at Versailles, where she kept the collection of Japan... more

Richard Montgomery

The sitter (1736-1775) was born in Dublin, served in the British army, and, after 1773, moved to New York City, where he married Janet Livingston, the daughter of Robert R. Livingston. Peale apparently painted... more

Gulian Ludlow

Gulian Ludlow (1764-1826) a New York, City merchant, married Maria Ludlow (26.125.2) in 1792. John Ramage (Ireland ca. 1748–1802 Montreal)

Side chair

This early Federal-style chair with a shield back and carved bannister (that incorporates the three-feather plume borrowed from the heraldic crest of the Prince of Wales) represents a popular form made in New Y... more

A Perspective View of the City Hall in New York, Taken from Wall Stree...

Cornelius Tiebout (American, New York ca. 1773–1832 Kentucky)

Square Piano

The piano makers Thomas Dodds and Christian Claus are responsible for the partnership that brought about the manufacture of this piano. This instrument is thought to be the oldest extant piano made in New York ... more

Marinus Willett

The affluent merchant Marinus Willett (1740–1830) was a New York leader of the Sons of Liberty and a political radical who fought valiantly during the Revolution. Here, Willett wears his regimental uniform and ... more

Armchair

Among the French émigrés who arrived in Philadelphia and New York City in the 1790s were artisans, including upholsterers and cabinetmakers, who brought French styles and techniques that were adopted by local c... more

Augustus Vallette Van Horne, Jr.

Augustus Vallette Van Horne Jr. (1765-1853) lived in New York City. Walter Robertson (Irish, Dublin ca. 1750–1802 Fatehpur, India)

Square Piano

Thomas Western moved to New York city early in 1794, moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1805, and later to Alexandria, Virginia. This instrument bears a label from when he built pianos in London and may hav... more

Joseph Griffiths

This may be the Joseph Griffiths who was a mariner and merchant in New York, and later the chairman of the Republican Party in New York State in 1796. He was married twice, first to Sarah Leonard, on July 19, ... more

View of the city and harbour of New York, taken from Mount Pitt, the s...

To the electors of the City of New York. Fellow-citizens. The aristocr...

Collect Pond, New York City

The natural pool Collect Pond was formerly located in lower Manhattan near present-day Foley Square. Robertson’s watercolor of the site exemplifies the formulaic method of drawing taught at the Columbian Academ... more

Andiron

Probably made in New York, New York, United States

Barrel Organ

Tunes represent a typical repertoire of English and American dances, patriotic songs, hymn tunes and popular music of the period ca. 1800. East Hamilton, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Andiron

Made in New York, New York, United States

Design for church interior

Although this drawing lacks an inscription, its striking similarity to another Tiffany Studios work (67.654.60) strongly suggests that it was an alternate design solution for the altar decorations of the Chapel... more

Settee

Made in New York, New York, United States

City Hall, New York

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Francis Depau

The donor identified the sitter, Francis Depau (1744-1836), as a New York City shipowner and merchant who later established the first line of packet ships between New York and Le Havre, France. Depau married S... more

The city of New York in the state of New York North America.

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Card table

The latest styles in European furniture arrived in colonial and Federal America by three principal means: pattern books of engraved furniture designs, imported high-style objects, and skilled immigrant craftsme... more

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Astragal-end Work Table

This astragal-end ladies sewing or worktable is distinguished by its tall, elegant, and finely reeded legs. The pleated silk bag, which held sewing fabric or needlework, is patterned after a design in plate 26 ... more

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Work Table

Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Robert Macomb

The sitter (1783-1832) was the lawyer and civic leader in New York City for whom Macomb's Dam across the Harlem River was named. This portrait is thought to date from the time of his marriage to Mary Cornell P... more

Rudolphus Bogert

Rudolphus Bogert (1766-1842) lived in New York City. Parmenas Howell (1784–1808)

Flyleaf

Side chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Cellaret

A case designed to hold bottles of wine or liquor, the cellaret, like the sideboard, was an essential piece of furniture in fashionable dining rooms of the early nineteenth century. Frequently, the cellaret wou... more

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Card Table

At the time when this card table was acquired from the collection of Louis Guerineau Myers, one of the great early connoisseurs and collectors of American furniture, it was attributed to the shop of Duncan Phyf... more

Pier table

By tradition, this pair of tables (67.262.2,.3) was made for the home of the prosperous sea captain Moses Rogers at 7 State Street in Lower Manhattan, opposite the Battery. The sensitivity of the cabinetmaker—p... more

Window Stool

Made in New York, New York, United States

Dining table

Made in New York, New York, United States

Footstool

Made in New York, New York, United States

Drop-leaf Pembroke Table

Made in New York, New York, United States

Footstool

Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Side Chair

Made in New York, New York, United States

Card Table

Made in New York, New York, United States

French press

Although similar to an English wardrobe, this specific form is called a “French press” in the New York City book of prices for cabinetwork of 1810, a publication that set the wages for journeyman furniture make... more

New York City and Harbor from Weehawken

Pavel Petrovich Svinin (1787/88–1839)

Portrait of a Gentleman

The unknown sitter holds a street plan of New York City with Broadway, Chambers, Reade, and Duane streets marked. Nathaniel Rogers (American, Bridgehampton, New York 1788–1844 Bridgehampton, New York)

The New City Hall, New York

Pavel Petrovich Svinin (1787/88–1839)