Card Table, Made by Michael Allison, 1810-1820

In the early nineteenth century New York City emerged as the largest city and cultural capital of the United States. Consequently, it attracted emigrant European craftsmen like Duncan Phyfe and Charles Honore Lannuier, who created new standards for fashionable furniture. Into this mix, native-born craftsmen like Michael Allison competed with their version in the latest fashion, such as this signed card table.