American Federal Dining Room

Maker | Narcissa Niblack Thorne, American, 1882–1966 |
Date of Creation | 20th century |
Location | Chicago, Illinois |
Materials | Mixed Media |
Institution | Phoenix Art Museum |
Credit Line | Gift of Niblack Thorne |
Accession Number | 1962.79.12 |
Photo Credit | © Phoenix Art Museum. All rights reserved. Photo by Ken Howie. |
The Thorne Rooms, crafted by Narcissa Niblack Thorne, offer a glimpse into imagined historic interiors through meticulous miniature replicas of architectural and interior design styles. One example is the American Federal Dining Room, representing the post-Revolutionary era with its fusion of Neoclassical elements inspired by British design trends. George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton’s furniture designs showcase the influence of English cabinetmakers on American craftsmanship. The room is a modern interpretation of historic elegance, adorned with fine English porcelain and crystal, and a portrait in the style of American painter, Gilbert Stuart. The term “Federal” refers to the period following the American Revolution which ended in 1783. Although America was then independent from England, stylistic preferences reflected Great Britain’s interest in Neoclassical design and revival in Greek and Roman antiquity. Thorne rooms reflect our ongoing curiosity in historic period rooms and art in miniature.