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file - The cha_ir has slender tapering square legs ending in spade feet, typical of the Hepplewhite style. Although carved decoration appears in Hepplewhite design, most Hepplewhite furni_ture is ornamented with inlays of contrasting woods which emphasize the graceful, sleek lines of the form. This bow-front chest of drawers illustrates the handsome effect achieved through contrasting veneers of richly figured mahogany and satinwood. The tiers of side drawers are ornamented with finely wrought fan inlays at the corners, and each drawer is further delineated by two narrow lines of inlay, called "stringing," in contrasting wood. The curve of the chest front is emphasized by the light color of the central section of drawers; an inlaid oval medallion highlights the top drawer. The inlay shows the American eagle, a decorative motif favored by the patriotic citizens of the newly formed republic. In addition to Hepplewhite's The cabi_net-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, patterns for fashionable London furni_ture were available to American cabi_netmakers through The cabi_net-Maker's and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, published in 1792 by Thomas Sheraton, another influential English
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designer. American cabi_netmakers also relied upon a variety of London price books, which featured patterns in both Hepplewhite and Sheraton modes. These books formed the basis for most American furni_ture design of the late eighteenth century and the first part of the nineteenth century. Hepplewhite and Sheraton designs show considerable overlap in time and in a common emphasis upon graceful linear forms and elegant ornament of classical derivation. Often the term "Federal Style" is used in reference to American furni_ture that combines features from both Hepplewhite and Sheraton designs and that cannot be considered a pure manifestation of either style. Many card tab_les were made after the patterns of both Hepplewhite and Sheraton, and often these tab_les combine elements from both styles. This Baltimore card tab_le, with the bellflower inlay typical of the area, has the graceful lines, rich veneers, and delicate inlays that characterize the best Hepplewhite pieces. The square top with recessed curved, or ovolu, corners was commonly featured in Sheraton forms. During the Federal period, from about 1780 to 1820, work tab_les became popular, and many new types were developed.
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