Images(2)

Windsor armchair

Dateca. 1765

OriginEngland, London (probably)

MediumYew, fruitwood, and elm

DimensionsOH (back): 40 1/2"; H (seat): 17 1/2"; OW (seat): 20 1/4"; D (seat): 17 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-108

DescriptionWindsor armchair: cresting rail formed of one horizontal "C" scroll at each side continuing into splat of interlaced scrolls; ruffled carving on cresting rail and deeply cut volutes on upper part of splat; a cross centered in the lower part of the splat; 3 turned spindles at each side of splat extending from cresting rail to the continuous brace forming the arms, terminating in grooved knuckles; 5 turned spindles at each side of splat extending from continuous arms to seat; seat deeply hollowed and vigorously curved at each side and at front; cabriole front legs with a bracket at each side and terminating in pad feet on a disc; back legs cylindrical in section with one baluster-shaped turning near feet and 4 incised lines near seat; one stretcher curved to the rear between front legs and one turned spindle forming a stretcher from each back leg to the curved stretcher.

Woods: The front legs and proper left rear stretcher are yew; the proper right rear stretcher and the rear legs are a light-colored fruitwood. The seat is elm. All woods by eye.

Label TextWindsor chairs are often mistakenly perceived as rural or non-academic forms today, but they were once considered the height of fashion. However, this ambitious object clearly carries the form to a new level. Its cabriole legs, fretted knee brackets, neatly turned spindles, pierced splat, and carved foliage are all elements that could have come directly from mid-century London design manuals. The far more usual painted Windsor chair was meant for use in gardens, porches, and passages. Less frequently encountered Windsors like this one were instead intended for more elevated uses.
InscribedNo
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceJ. J. Wolff. Ltd.