Images(13)

Armchair

DateCa. 1730

Attributed to Giles Grendey

OriginEngland, London

MediumWalnut, walnut veneer, deal, beech, and needlework

DimensionsOH: 37"; OW: 24 1/4"; OD: 22"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-180

DescriptionAppearance: Stuffed, rectangular back with rounded upper corners; slightly S-shaped arms, flat on upper surface terminating in scroll grips; S-curved arm supports; square seat stuffed and upholstered partly over seat rail; both seat and back covered with 18th century needlework (not original to chair) in floral design with brown ground and yellow, blue, and pink flowers; lower part of seat rails of exposed walnut veneer, slightly curved and plain with exception of winged satyr mask carved on center front; cabriole front legs with knees carved with shell and pendants husks; molded, carved C-scrolls flanking knees; legs terminate in claw and ball feet; cabriole rear legs terminating in blocked, hoof feet.

Woods: Primary wood: walnut and walnut veneer on deal; Secondary wood: beech and deal seat frame
Label TextA single, London shop, probably that of Giles Grendey, appears to be the source of this armchair, a side chair, a settee, and a stool, all in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. The Satyr's mask on this chair is a variation of the human masks found on the other pieces; however both types are within the boundaries of the classical theme. Stylistically Late Baroque, these examples illustrate the use of strong spatial relationships with restrained applied ornament (carving in this case). The needlework upholstery, though not original to this chair, is of the eighteenth century and appropriate for use on a chair of this kind.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceEx-Collection Percival Griffiths; Ex-collection Geoffrey Blackwell; Ex-collection Miss Mary Blackwell