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KC1972.451_R.2003-158_1930-410, Easy Chair
Easy Chair
KC1972.451_R.2003-158_1930-410, Easy Chair

Easy Chair

Dateca. 1780
OriginAmerica, Rhode Island, Newport
MediumMahogany with maple and birch frame (analysis 12/5/1975)
DimensionsOH: 46"; OW: 29 5/8"; OD: 22 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1930-410
DescriptionEasy chair; high, rectangular, stuffed back with serpentine top; shallow scrolled wings terminating in high, vertically-rolled arms; "square" seat with removable T-shaped cushion; front legs, "square" in section, stop-fluted on outer faces, chamfered on inside edge; rear legs, "square" in section, flaring to rear; legs braced by four stretchers, two side, one medial, one rear.
Label TextEasy chairs, like other chairs of the mid to late-18th century, had straight or curved (cabriole) legs. While makers in other regions opted either for plain or molded (with a shaped surface) straight legs, Newport craftsmen chose to embellish their straight legs with stop-fluting. That was to carve channels (flutes) in the upper portion of the leg but leave the lower portion with the flutes filled with a convex, rod-like element. While this detail was often used on quarter columns on furniture, echoing classical architectural columns, only Newport cabinetmakers chose to incorporate stop-fluting onto square legs.
MarkingsNone found
Exhibition(s)