Armchair, sleeping

Dateca. 1680

MediumWalnut, with leather, iron, and cane

DimensionsOH: 49 3/4", H. to seat: 16 3/8", OW: 24", OD (when back is down): 67 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-409

DescriptionArmchair, sleeping: Rectangular cresting rail carved on front face with central tulip, flanked by a pair of rosettes and leafage on a punchwork background; twisted stiles, blocked at top and terminating in ball finials; rectangular caned back with side and bottom rails carved in continuous criss-cross motif; shaped arms with raised leaf carving on top at back and front portions of each arm; twisted arm supports at front and rear; "square" seat, caned and carved in same manner as back; footrest composed of rectangular caned and carved back, plank wood bottom and wood, S-shaped sides; all four legs blocked and twist-turned terminating in ball feet; five twist-turned stretchers; back and foot rest through channel in arms to rear of back stiles.
Label TextSleeping chairs, a name given to chairs in the 16th and 17th centuries that reclined and had an integral foot rest, originally were purchased by elite and royal consumers. While likely comfortable to people of all ages, they were used primarily by the infirm and aged. By the end of the 17th century the form had become available to upper middle class consumers. The cane chair had become one of the most popular and economical chairs during that period. This example, likely used with cushions, utilizes leather straps to connect the back to the foot rest so that the two move together, much like 21st century recliners. Other examples used iron mechanisms to ratchet the chair back, more like a 21st century beach chair.
MarkingsNone found.