Side Chair
Regionfrom the area of
Salem
(Massachusetts)
Date1760–1770
Mediummahogany, pine
Dimensions97.2 x 58.7 x 52.1 cm (38 1/4 x 23 1/8 x 20 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Markings[PAINE] written in graphite on bottom surface of front rail
[WAM1965.284F] in red paint on interior surface of rear left leg
Credit LineGift of the Paine Charitable Trust
Object number1965.284.6
DescriptionThis Chippendale style side chair is one of a set of six. The interlaced lancet arch and quatrefoil carving of the back splat is further decorated with delicate scroll carving that culminates in a fan-shaped centerpiece on the crestrail. This is fluted and shows the deeply grooved ears on either end that indicate a North Shore craftsman. The back splat has been joined into the shoe. The stiles are not carved and are continuous with the the rear Stump legs, giving the chair a cantered profile. There is a notch or scoring mark on the right side surface of the right stile.These are joined to the trapezoidal seat rail, which has squared corners. On the rear right exterior surface of the seat rail, there are two extra nails, and there are six circular indentations in the center. The age of these supernumerary nails suggests that they were used in the original construction to reinforce the chair structure, or were a contemporary repair. When the slip seat is removed, the Roman numeral [I] is carved on the interior surface of the front seat rail, indicating that this was the first chair made in its set.The lack of impressions around the peg joins on the seat rail signify that the original upholstery was textile and not hide, and that upholstery has since been replaced. Evidence of early upholstery nails can be found on the bottom surfaces of the two side seat rails. The front cabriole legs show acanthus carving on the knees, and the ball and claw feet have slightly rounded toe joints. The knee blocks are almost seamlessly flush with the knees and continuous with the decorative carving, showing a masterful level of craftsmanship. There is a large indent in the wood at the join of the back rear surface of the front legs. The front legs of this chair have a less pronounced curve than the other cabriole legs in the rest of this set. It is possible that the legs of this chair were used as a prototype for the rest, and carved by a different craftsman. Each edge on the rear legs is chamfered, and they are braced with a rectangular stretcher that has double beading on the top outermost edge. A turned 'H' stretcher provides further support, and each component has deep groves on its underside surface. Castor holes can be found on the underside of each foot.ProvenancePaine Charitable Trust
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