Side chair, splat-back

Date1753-1760

Attributed to John Elliott

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumPrimary: mahogany; Secondary: corner blocks white pine, slip-seat frame white pine.

DimensionsOH: 41 1/4"; OW: 22 1/2"; OD: 18 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-267,A

DescriptionSide chair, splat back: Serpentine cresting rail terminating in grooved and scrolled ears with pinwheel motif in center of scroll. Large scallop shell at center of cresting rail with 2 flower-head rosettes and wave and dot carving at bottom of spiraling ribs of shell. Slightly curved stiles flat in front, rounded in back. Incised line extends along outer edge of stiles and along top edge of cresting rail on either side of shell. Solid, scrolled vase-shaped splat, tenoned into molded shoe. "Square" seat frame with rounded front corners. Straight skirt with carved scallop shell at center of apron in front. (This shell has the same distinctive wave and dot carving on its wings as the cresting rail shell.) Cabriole front legs with scroll carved shoulders and central shell with bell flower carved on knees. Front legs terminate in high trifid foot. Rear legs basically "square" in section, tapering inward at ankle terminating in slightly shaped block feet. Construction note: side rail attached to rear post with double tenons.