Side chair, splat-back

Date1750-1790

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumWalnut, tulip poplar

DimensionsOH (center back): 37 3/8"; OW (seat front): 21"; OD (seat): 16 1/2"; OH (seat): 17 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1969-268,1

DescriptionCresting rail bows slightly upward from center to outer side, terminating in a point; bottom of crest cut in a curve from stile to splat; interlaced splat with leaf carving in element at mid-point; stiles taper slightly outward from bottom to top; front seat rail cut in shape of a double cyma curve; side rails mortised through rear legs; cabriole front legs without carving terminating in trifid feet; octagonal back legs flare to rear; original slip seat frames; unusual construction with the absence of corner blocks in seat frame.
Markings#1: slip seat marked "III"
#2: chair marked at center front rail "V"
#2: slip seat marked "I"
#2: chair marked at center front rail "VI"
ProvenanceAcquired with a history of ownership from a descendant of the Benjamin Rush family of Philadelphia