Side chair, splat back

Date1740-1755

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumBlack walnut and yellow pine

DimensionsOH: 42"; OW: 20 1/2"; OD: 20 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Miodrag R. Blagojevich.

Object number1976-440

DescriptionAppearance: Splat-back side chair with shaped stiles, molded on outer edge, that continue around corner of top and terminate in a short, arched cresting rail, molded on upper edge and faced with large, carved scallop shell; large, curved, vase-shaped splat terminating in high base mortised into molded shoe; balloon or compass seat; cabriole front legs with shaped, shoulder brackets; carved scallop shell on knee; legs terminate in oblong paneled pad feet; rear legs octagonal in cross-section. Note: seat rails mortised through rear legs in conventional Philadelphia manner.

CONSTRUCTION: Splat mortised into crest rail and shoe; rear and side seat rails and return beneath side rails mortised into stiles and pegged; side seat rails mortised into front rail and pegged; dowel on top of front legs mortised into corners of seat frame; knee returns nailed to underside of rails; molding around top of seat rails cut from edge of slipseat and glued to top of rails.
Markings"IIII" and "VI" incised into slipseat. "IIII" incised into top of front seat rail.