Images(4)

Side Chair, Splat Back

Date1763-1768

Attributed to Nathaniel Gould

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Salem

MediumMahogany with maple, birch and white pine

DimensionsOH: 37 3/8"; OW: 20 3/8"; OD: 17 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. William H. Murdoch, Jr.

Object number1970-132

DescriptionSplat back side chair. Sepentine cresting rail, plain except for narrow bead molding along upper edge; tapering stiles molded on front surface with outer and inner bead; broad, elaborate, interlaced splat of C scrolls, the entre splat with plain surface except for carved ends on upper scrolls; "square" seat frame, upholstered over seat rail; small brackets between rails and rear legs, covered by upholstery; cabriole front legs with pointed knees carved with shallow acanthus leafage flanking a thin central triangle; the whole carving on a punch-work background; legs terminate in ball and claw feet with raking side talons; tapering rear legs expand outward at base to form foot.
InscribedPencilled "12, 13, 14, and 15" on corner blocks.
MarkingsChiseled Roman numeral "IIII" on bottom front of splat (hidden by shoe), and on back center of shoe.
ProvenanceChair obtained by Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch from Roland B. Hammond, Inc., North Andover, Massachusetts.
Descended in Dane family of Andover, MA with 1970-130 & 1970-131.