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1933-13, Chair
Side Chair, Splat Back
1933-13, Chair

Side Chair, Splat Back

Date1765-1785
Attributed to Samuel Cornwell
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Sussex County
MediumBlack walnut and yellow pine
DimensionsOH:37 1/4";OW:19 3/4";OD:16 5/8"; H(seat): 16 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1933-13
DescriptionSide chair with pointed, flared ears; crest rail with flat upper surface and serpentine lower surface; stiles square below the seat rails and chamfered on the interior edge; vase-and-baluster-shaped splat with long vertical upper piercing, concave at the top and pointed at the bottom, surmounting a heart-shaped fenestration in which the top consists of two adjoining volutes; coved separate shoe with quarter round molding at splat joint; pinned and rabbeted rails, the rear rail thinner than the shoe; ovolo molding on leading edge of rails and square front legs; front and rear stretchers sit higher than side stretchers.
Label TextA number of side and corner chairs with closely related splats have ownership histories in the Virginia counties of Southampton and Greensville. This chair was likely produced in that area as well.
InscribedPenciled "II" on interior of right side seat rail.
Markings"IIII" chiseled into underside of front member on seat rail.