Side chair, splat-back

Date1780-1810

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Essex County

MediumMahogany with maple and white pine

DimensionsOH: 38" OW: 20 3/4" OD: 19 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-40,1

DescriptionAppearance: Splat-back side chair with vertically serpentine, triple arch crest rail with rear rounded edges; back splat pierced with c scrolls, volutes, vertical ribs outlining pierced hearts, and notches curving into crest rail; stiles taper from top to bottom with curve at crest rail joint; rear of stiles rounded; trapezoidal seat featuring horizontal and vertical serpentine front rail; over the rail upholstery; front legs straight possessing beaded outer edge; rear legs curve outward with square profile; side, medial, and rear stretchers rectangular in profile.

Construction: elements mahogany except where noted: stiles tenoned into crest rail; splat tenoned into crest and rear seat rails; shoes secured with two square head nails; maple front, side and rear seat rails tenoned into legs and each joint secured with two pins; rear seat rail veneered on outer surface with mahogany; each triangular white pine glue block secured to seat rails with originally four rose head nails; side and rear stretchers tenoned into legs; side stretchers secured with pin at each joint; medial stretcher dovetailed into side stretchers.
Inscribed"1875" in penicl on rear seat rail under shoe; "88" in crayon on bottom or rear seat rail
ProvenanceAcquired by source in eastern North Carolina.