Side chair

Dateca. 1800

MediumMahogany, ash, oak, tulip poplar and maple

DimensionsOH: 34 3/4"; OW: 20 3/4"; OD: 20 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mr. Edward T. Lacy

Object number2003-172

DescriptionSide chair; square back outlined with bead with three vertical splats; two columnar splats flanking angular vase shaped splat; "square" seat with outcurving ash side rails and bowed ash front rail; oak rear rail; four tulip poplar diagonal corner braces dovtailed to rails; two shaped maple medial braces dovetailed to underside of front and rear rails; over the rail upholstery; tapered legs square in cross section with beaded front face on front legs; upholstery peaks remain on tops of front legs; added L shaped iron braces attached to underside of rails and front and rear legs; added blocks nailed to top of rear seat corners.
Label TextChairs with square shaped backs were quite popular in America from around 1790 to 1815. Although the taste for the neat and plain predominated in eastern Virginia, the simplicity of this chair was probably due more to cost than fashion. The overall form of the back with its three vertical slats echoes the shape of more elaborate carved or inlaid square back chairs such as those made in nearby Norfolk. Producing the chair without ornamentation provided a fashionable chair at a fraction of the cost.

Exhibition(s)