Side Chair, Slat-Back

Date1770-1800

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston or Salem area

MediumPrimary: mahogany; secondary: maple and birch

DimensionsOH: 37 3/8"; OW: 21"; OD 17 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-184

DescriptionAppearance: Slat-back side chair with serpentine crest rail featuring horizontal piercing and C-scrolls along upper edge radiating from centrally carved crown and anthemion; crest rail terminates with foliate carved and rounded ears; 3 slats echo crest rail design; stiles taper from top to bottom, flair outward at top, and fluted on front surface; crest rail and stiles rounded along back; seat trapezoidal possessing vertically concave front and rear seat rails; seat upholstered over the rail; original swag tacking pattern on front and side seat rails; front legs fluted on outer surfaces and chamfered on inner edge; rear legs square in profile and curve outward at base; chamfering present on inner edges of rear legs; side, medial, and rear stretchers rectangular in profile.

Construction: all elements mahogany except where noted; stiles tenoned into crest rail; back slats tenoned into stiles; front (maple), rear, and side (birch) seat rails tenoned into legs; side and rear stretchers tenoned into legs; medial stretcher secured to side stretchers with dovetails.
Inscribed"W" scratched into outer center surface of rear seat rail.