Images(2)

Side chair, ladder back

Date1825-1860

OriginAmerica, Georgia, Walton County

MediumHickory, maple (probably), white oak and paint

DimensionsOH: 35 5/8"; OW: 20"; OD: 16 ¼"; SD: 15"

Credit LineGift of Dale L. Couch

Object number2012-176

DescriptionAppearance: Ladder back side chair with ring turned stiles surmounted by oval ball finials; four scalloped slats between stiles; splint seat; front legs with inverted balusters between seat rail and stretchers; shaped foot (mostly missing); double front and side round stretchers and single rear stretcher; surface oak grained (late 19th century addition).

Construction: Common post-and-hole joinery is used on the stretchers and seat lists. Slats are tenoned into the stiles. The top slat tenons are pegged. Woven splint seat.

Woods: hickory slats and front legs; maple (probably) stiles; white oak splint seat.
Label TextWhile British colonists are a major focus of American history and decorative arts, other European immigrants cannot be forgotten. This chair reflects the Franco-German influence on Georgia ladder back chairs. French and German settlers came to Georgia during the 17th and 18th centuries bringing with them their Continental European traditions. The group of chairs inspired by this vernacular tradition, including this example dating from the 19th century, diverges from British inspired chairs with their shapely slats, ring turnings on the stiles, baluster or inverted baluster turnings on the front legs below the seat, turned feet, and multiple front and or side or rear stretchers.

This chair was original painted blue. The faux-grained finish on this chair was probably applied in the late 19th century when oak furniture became popular.
ProvenanceDonor obtained this chair from Keith McCurry who had in turn purchased it at the Queen of Hearts Antique Mall in Gwinnett County, Georgia in 2009. That dealer stated that she had obtained the chair (and two others from the set) from an estate on the border of Gwinnett and Walton Counties. A note suggested they came from the house of "Aunt Clara." (Dale Couch email to Tara Chicirda 4/15/2017).

Exhibition(s)