Side Chair

DateCa. 1780

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany, oak, yellow pine, and tulip poplar

DimensionsOH: 38"; OW: 21 3/4"; D: 19 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-243

DescriptionSide chair; cresting rail with festooned effect caused by juxtaposed swags of uppermost slat with anthemion and small rosette carving in center. Two horizontal piercings between stile and center carving on either side conform to shape of top. On either side of slat, carved into terminals of stiles, are stylized flowers enclosed within rectangle. Incurving stiles molded in front; rounded in back. Three slats below top one, similarly carved and pierced. "Square" seat with serpentine front; molded along upper edge. Plain skirt. Front legs straight, molded in front; rear legs also square, chamfered on innner corners; kick out at back. Plain rectangular side, rear, and medial stretchers. Slip seat covered in reproduction red silk damask.

Woods: Primary wood is mahogany, with oak rear seat rail, southern yellow pine on tulip seat frame, and tulip front left corner block (part of block not original).
Markings"II" carved into slip seat frame. "IIII" carved into inner edge of front seat rail.
ProvenanceEx Coll: Louis G. Myers