Side Chair

Dateca. 1770

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany and white pine

DimensionsOH: 40 1/4", OW (seat to frame): 21 1/4", OD (seat frame):16 1/2", H to seat: 17 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-234,1

DescriptionSide chair; Serpentine cresting rail carved with central shell and a shell at each corner; curves of cresting rail formed by "c" scrolls above and below ruffled ornamentation; elaborately carved splat of a basic lozenge shape framed by "C" scrolls and with an egg and dart motif at base; tapered stiles, each with three flutes; seat frame straight at front, tapering inward toward rear and with a quarter round molding at upper edge; side rails mortised through back legs; front of seat rail carved in acanthus motif at center with one "C" scroll at each side extending from central part of seat rail into the upper part of the leg; cabriole front legs terminating in claw and ball feet and with deeply carved acanthus motifs extending from the corner of the seat rail over the knee of each legs; rear legs cylindrical in cross section and flaring to rear.

Woods: Primary wood is mahogany with white pine slip seat frame (appears to be original).
Label TextThe fluent application of chisels and gouges and matchless eye-hand coordination of an experienced carver created this fine Philadelphia chair, a supreme statement of style and taste.
InscribedNo
Markings"VI" on seat frame and slip seat frame.
ProvenanceThe chair was purchased by I. Sack either in Georgia or Columbia, South Carolina (both places are mentioned in the correspondence in the file folder). It was apparently part of a larger set which had descended in the family who had moved from Pennsylvania about 1890.