Images(2)

Side Chair

Date1790-1810

OriginAmerica, New York, New York City

MediumMahogany and ash

DimensionsOH: 39 1/8"; OW: 18 1/2"; D: 21 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-103

DescriptionSide chair, shield back with triple-arched cresting with all members of back molded on face; splat composed of central member with vertically pierced fan tapering to a rectangular cross-hatched element above a carved series of pendent husks with a pair of opposing, carved acanthus leaves below; narrower, curved member at either side of central splat - each with molded face and similar in design to center splat but without carved husks; carved leafage forms juncture between corners of cresting and top of side splats; all three splats merge into fan-carved lunette at center of base; shaped stiles molded on front face with carved leafage at juncture of back and stiles; broad seat with serpentine front edge upholstered over the seat rails; tapering front legs molded on outside faces with molding ending in small, carved lunette just above high, spade feet; tapering rear legs, square in section, and flaring slightly to rear.

Woods: Primary wood is mahogany with ash seat frame, diagonal braces, and back rail.
Label TextThe splat design found on this chair was used throughout the colonies from New England to Baltimore. Several sets of this basic design were made in New York, most with carved backs in the manner of these chairs. The design for this chair is described in the New York Price Book of 1796 as: A Vase Back Stay Rail Chair, With serpentine top and three upright splats or bannister in ditto, straight seat, made for stuffing over the rails".
MarkingsNone found.

Exhibition(s)