Images(6)

Armchair, Splat-Back

Date1750-1770

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumWalnut, yellow pine, and tulip poplar (modern)

DimensionsOH: 40 1/4"; OW: 29: OD: 22"; SD: 17 3/4"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1990-279,A

DescriptionDeeply shaped serpentine crest rail with a shell carved in the center, pierced baluster splat, dished arms continuing to knuckled terminals, slipseat with a molded apron with shell-carved front, shaped cabriole front legs ending in claw-and-ball feet, splayed rounded back legs.
Label TextThis armchair with its boldly shaped crest rail, arms, and legs has shells of an exceedingly large size carved on its crest rail and front skirt. While all of these elements were popular in Philadelphia chairs after about 1750, they are quite pronounced on this example. Customers could choose various carved options to include on their chairs. The unknown original owner of this example opted for a relatively simple but quite fashionable seat.
ProvenanceAlbert Whittier of Boston (early collector)
Israel Sack, Inc. unitl 1979

Exhibition(s)