Images(9)

Foot stool

Dateca. 1730

Possibly by Giles Grendey

OriginEngland, London

MediumWalnut, beech, and oak

DimensionsOH: 17 1/4"; OW: 24"; OD: 19"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-67

DescriptionAppearance: Rectangular stool with stuffed top, covered with 18th century floral needlework tacked partly over side rails; lower part of side rails slightly rounded and plain with exception of large female mask in shaped cartouche in center of both long sides; stool supported on four cabriole legs with carved shell and dependent husks on knees and molded C scrolls flanking shoulders; legs terminate in well-defined ball and claw feet.

Woods: Primary: walnut; Secondary: beech frame; oak braces.
Label TextThis stool and three other pieces in the Colonial Williamsburg (#1955-180, #1936-128) collection appear to be from the same London shop, probably that of Giles Grendey. They show the tendency of the baroque to include animalistic detailing, such as the eagle claw feet and human masks seen here. Dating from the late 1720s or early 1730s, these pieces are part of the last phase of walnut furniture production in the baroque style.
ProvenanceEx coll: Sir Percival Griffiths. Geoffrey Blackwell. Georgio Fassio.