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DS1995-395
Side chair, splat-back
DS1995-395

Side chair, splat-back

Dateca. 1775
Attributed to Thomas Miller
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Fredericksburg
MediumMahogany chair frame; oak slip seat frame.
DimensionsOH. 37 1/2"; OW. 21 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1989-66
DescriptionAppearance: Side chair with trapezoidal seat molded along front and side top corners, straight legs square in cross section with chamfered inner corners and molded front corners, rear legs taper inwards and flair back at base, "H" form stretchers and slightly higher rear stretcher, rounded crest rail with flaring "ears", crest rail and stiles have scratch bead along outer edges; splat tapers in width towards middle of back and flares out slightly at base, splat pierced with four vertical, arched lozenges that echo outer shape of splat, central portion of lozenges left un-pierced but relieved, shoe integral with rear rail and arched slightly on underside, chair originally had glue blocks (now missing) inside corners of seat, separate slipseat.
Label TextA less expensive alternative to the carved chairs purchased by John Waller (1965-184 & L1987-8), this example was produced in the same shop, probably that of Thomas Miller. This chair may be from the same set as an identical chair that descended in the Thornton family of Fall Hill plantation located just outside Fredericksburg. Although not carved like the Waller chair, the same template was used to layout the splat, the central part of the chair back, on this chair and the Waller family side chairs. Cabinetmakers often produced chairs of the same basic form with or without ornamentation according to the customer's specifications or pocket book.
MarkingsChair frame marked "VIII" (V is upside-down); slip seat frame marked "VI."
ProvenanceThe chair has no known history, but is identical in design, construction, and dimensions to a chair recorded by the MESDA Field Research program (MESDA file S-5982). The latter chair descended through the Thornton family of Fall Hill plantation in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on the outskirts of Fredericksburg.
Exhibition(s)