Side Chair
Culture
American
Date1680-1720
Mediumwalnut or oak
Dimensions118.7 × 61 × 68.6 cm (46 3/4 × 24 × 27 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Miss Lucy Sawyer
Object number1928.22
DescriptionThis William and Mary style side chair is typical of English chairs of the seventeenth century, which were later created in the colonies by English settlers. It is often difficult to determine whether a chair from this era was made in England or New England, sometimes requiring microscopic examination of wood. This chair, with its replaced rush trapezoidal seat and undetermined wood classification, is no exception. It has a Banister back with four turned spindles suspended between a yoke-shaped bottom rail and a decoratively carved crest rail. These spindles are flat, cut into identical shapes from thin planks of wood.The flourish motif is flanked by two carved finials on each of the rear stiles. These are turned and continuous with the rear Baluster legs, giving the chair a canted profile. These plain legs are joined to the seat rail and braced by a turned stretcher. The rear right leg is damaged on the bottom, possibly due to insect exposure. There is similar damage on the front Baluster legs. These are turned, with the rectangular edges left to support the front and side stretchers. The front stretcher is more elaborate than the side and rear stretchers, with a disc turned inbetween the two knots.This chair is said to have been brought from England to Reverend Joseph Davis, the first minister at Holden. However, stylistic attributes bring this claim into dispute.ProvenanceMiss Lucy F. Sawyer, Worcester, MA
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