Side chair, splat-back

Dateca. 1790

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Richmond (possibly)

MediumMahogany and tulip poplar (modern slipseat)

DimensionsOH: 37 1/2"; OW: 20 3/4"; OD: 19 3/4"; D (seat):16 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-437,1

DescriptionAppearance: Side chair with molded serpentine crest rail and molded stiles; pierced splat with carved prince of Wales feathers at top center above pendant bellflowers; central element of splat flanked by two out curving fluted banisters; all vertical elements continue down to base of splat; row of nine vertical leaves across center of splat; molded shoe; trapezoidal seat with molded front and side seat rails; front legs, molded on two outer faces, square in cross section, taper towards foot; rear legs, rectangular in cross section, flare towards rear at feet; rectangular side, medial, and rear stretchers.

Construction: Standard chair construction. Quarter round vertical glue blocks with chamfered top edges in front and rear corners of seat frame. Modern tulip poplar slipseat.
Markings"IIII" chiseled into inside rabbet on front seat rail of .1. "I" chiselled into the rear seat rail of .1.
"II" chiseled into inside rabbet of front seat rail of .2.