Armchair

Datec.1790

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumAsh, gilt, gesso, linen, curled hair, silk (replaced)

DimensionsOH: 36”; OW: 20 1/2”; OD: 19”

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

Object number2020-170,1

DescriptionA pair of white painted and gilt upholstered armchairs, retaining their original stuffing, webbing, and linen, each in Louis XVI taste; the crest rail with flattened central arch and horizontal side portions all with carved gilt gesso composition of oak leaf and acorn design extending across the crest rail and down the sloped arm until an upholstered pad and continuing down the shaped terminus of the arm; central portion of back below arch upholstered in a raised and tapered pad surrounded by stylized repetitive gilt husk composition; the reeded gilt baluster shaped stiles terminate in cubes with gilt gessoed rosettes that are connected by the stay rail with gilt oak leaf and acorn gesso composition; the arms are supported by gilt reeded balusters supported by white and gilt rectangular plinths with gilt ribbon tied pendant floral composition; white and gilt bowed seat rails with gilt rosette and oak leaf and acorn composition support a half over the rail upholstered seat with boxed edge and brass nails; turned tapering painted and gilt reeded front legs and square, tapering, slightly raked rear legs. Retains original under-upholstery. Repainted and regilded.
Label TextThese Philadelphia chairs in the French taste were probably first owned by local financier Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Imported French furniture and furniture inspired by French designs became quite popular in America after the American Revolution. Following this trend, George and Martha Washington purchased gold and white French chairs for the president’s Philadelphia residence in 1790.

The Morris chairs illustrate the bright colors favored in the decades after the Revolution. The restored white and gold surfaces and the orange silk upholstery match the chairs’ original treatment.

ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, these chairs belonged to Robert Morris, representative to the Continental Congress, and financier of the American Revolution. In 1785 he was awarded a monopoly for the sale of American tobacco to France. This chair descended in a Pennsylvania family until 1991 when they were sold and consigned to Christie's.

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