Side chair, splat-back

Dateca. 1770

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk or Williamsburg

MediumBalck walnut and yellow pine

DimensionsOH: 37 5/8"; OW: 21 1/8"; OD: 17 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1978-151,A

DescriptionBeaded serpentine crest rail; stiles have flat face and rounded back; splat has horizontal piercings with trefoil piercing and uncarved tassel at top; splat is mortised into shoe, which is not an integral part of the rear seat rail; front and side seat rails have molded upper edge; marlborough front legs have beaded outer edge; back legs square in section, flaring to rear; rear stretcher and H-stretcher mortised into legs except for cross bar, which is half dovetailed into side stretchers from below; original black leather upholstery and webbing applied to slip seat frame with wrought nails.
Label TextThe splat on this Virginia chair is one of the most popular of the numerous rococo patterns found in Britain and America during the second half of the eighteenth century. Virginians preferred the Neat and Plain style of furniture and therefore paired the splat with simple straight legs rather than the cabirole legs and ball and claw feet preferred elsewhere in the colonies. Many artisans crafted their own versions of the splat design, sometimes substituting a round opening at the top for the pointed shape on this example. Many British and continental European variations of the design are known, as are American versions produced from New Hampshire to North Carolina. Despite such unusually broad use, however, no graphic design source has yet been identified, and it appears tha tthe exptnsive exposure given the pattern resulted solely from the mvement of furniture and aritsans.
Markingschair marked "II"; slip seat frame marked "I"
ProvenanceDescended in the Galt family of Williamsburg and was in the Nelson-Galt house on Francis Street from the time the family moved there about 1810 until acquired by source. Originally owned by either Samuel Galt (1700-1760/61?) or, more probably John Minson Galt I (1744-1808) of Williamsburg. Next owned by the latter's son Alexander Dickie Galt (1771-1840), who first rented and then bought the Nelson-Galt house. He bequeathed the chair to his son, John Minson Galt II (1819-1862), who left it to his sister, Sarah Maria Galt (1822-1880). She left it to her nephew, John Minson Galt III (1859-1885), who passed it to his mortar, Mary Williams Ware Galt (1825-1897), who in turn passed it to her daughter, Anne Alexina Galt (1857-1941), who passed it to her niece Mary Ware Galt Kirby (1893-1977). Mrs. Kirby bequeathed the chair to her daughter Anne Galt Black who sold the estate, at which time it was acquired by Mr. Skutans. It was restored in 1950-51.

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