Images(2)

Side Chair

Date1760-1790

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumBlack walnut, tulip poplar, and yellow pine

DimensionsOH: 39"; OW: 22 3/4"; OD: 21 1/2"; SD: 17 5/16"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1990-286,1

DescriptionSide chair with serpentine crest rail with carved shell or cabacon at center terminating in knuckle scrolled ears; crest rail molded and carved with rope and tassel motif; stiles fluted; pierced splat carved with large pendant bellflower at center top and scrolled and foliate acanthus volutes at sides over a shaped and molded shoe; trapezoidal slipseat; seat rails molded on top outer corners and undercut with shallow arch; cabriole front legs and knee brackets with foliate acanthus carving over ball and claw feet; rounded "stump" rear legs rake slightly towards back.

Woods: Black walnut primary, tulip poplar corner glue blocks (by eye), and yellow pine slip seat (by eye).
Label TextMany 18th-century Philadelphia chairs survive, but only a few feature this particular splat design and rope-and-tassel carving on their crest rails. Of these, several have histories associated with George Washington.
InscribedIn red ink on a jelly label on slipseat frame 1990-286, 1: "3286-3/ GxL"

In black ink on a sticker on the underside of rear rail 1990-286, 2: "14-68"
MarkingsChair 1 marked on inside of front seat rail rabbet: "VIII"; chair 2: "VI"
ProvenanceChair marked in chalk "26335"
Waldron family
John Tompkins (dealer)

Other chair: Quinnel Collection

Both Chairs
Ginsburg & Levy acquired in 1949 and 1951
Donors purchased from Israel Sack, Inc. in 1988.

Exhibition(s)