Images(2)

Side Chair

Dateca. 1765

Attributed to Benjamin Randolph

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany and tulip poplar

DimensionsOH: 41 1/2"; OW: 27"; seat D: 15 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-244

DescriptionSide chair; serpentine cresting rail with foliate carving at each terminal and central motif of a cabuchon flanked by foliate carving; slightly shaped stiles rounded on front inner surface and with cock bead molding on outer front surface; interlaced splat of "C" scrolls and serpentine elements, each with a cock bead molding at outer or inner edges and the whole framed by foliate carved elements at each side; molding at base; seat upholstered over upper half of rail and front;seat straight on all side, flaring outward at each side; applied gadrooning at front, replaced gadrooning at each side; side rails are not morticed through back legs, but each secured by two wooden pins; front seat rail veneered; cabriole front legs with foliate carving on a bracket at each side, a cabuchon flanked by foliate carving on each knee, and each leg terminating in a French scroll foot; back legs flare to rear and circular in cross section.
Label TextIn "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director," published in London between 1754 and 1762, Thomas Chippendale included chair designs in the Chinese, Gothic, and Modern, or rococo, styles. This chair demonstrates the modern style and combines scrolled French feet with an interlaced foliate splat. Chippendale included a variety of foot and back designs "for the greater Choice." The maker or his customer would have chosen which splat design to pair with which foot form. Typical of Philadelphia chairs of the mid- to late-eighteenth century, this example has rounded, or stump, rear legs.
MarkingsOld numbers on outside of back seat rail "13-1928-1a"; 14-1924-6"
ProvenanceTradition of descent to Mrs. Gertrude Zelley Prickets, sister of Samuel Stockton Zelley and Reba Zelley LaRue; all descendants in the family of Benjamin Randolph's second wife; owned by Howard Reifsnyder until bought at the sale of his effects in 1929 by Colonial Williamsburg.

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