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1936-128, Backstool
Backstool (Side Chair)
1936-128, Backstool

Backstool (Side Chair)

Dateca. 1730
Possibly by Giles Grendey
OriginEngland, London
MediumWalnut; beech and deal
DimensionsOH: 38"; OW: 24 3/4"; OD: 23 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1936-128
DescriptionBackstool; rectangular back, with rounded upper corners, stuffed and upholstered; square seat, stuff and upholstered partly over seat rails; lower half of seat rails exposed on front and sides; large, finely carved mask in relief in center of front seat rail; cabriole legs with craved shell on knees and carved scrolls on shoulders; legs terminate in ball and claw feet; cabriole rear legs terminate in blocked feet.

Woods: Primary: Walnut; Secondary: beech and deal framing
Label TextThis backstool illustrates the robust carving found on London furniture from the second quarter of the 18th century. While the shells on the knees and the ball and claw feet were popular in many English shops, the carved head on the seat rail are of a type associated with the work of Giles Grendey. Grendey owned a large cabinet shop in London during the first half of the 18th century that produced fashionable furniture for elite customers in England as well as Continental Europe. Chairs, stools, and settees with carved heads of this type, possibly representing the Roman goddess Juno, as well as those of satyrs, ancient Roman spirits depicted by men with goats ears, horns, tail, and legs, have been linked to Grendey’s shop. The appearance of these faces or masks on furniture was likely inspired by the ancient Roman art and architecture that influenced England’s 18th century Neo-Palladian architecture and associated decorative arts.
Markings"ID" stamped into upper inside edge of right, rear leg.
Exhibition(s)