Windsor Chair

Dateabout 1790

Mediumwhite pine and ash

Dimensions114.3 x 81 x 43.8 cm (45 x 31 7/8 x 17 1/4 in.)

ClassificationsFurniture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley B. Gilman

Object number1984.40

Label TextEarly American Windsor chairs made of pine and other woods were mass-produced and invariably painted. After having been stripped many years ago, these armchairs were repainted to revive their original splendor. Porous woods such as ash often constituted the steam-bent elements on Windsor chairs. This characteristic pair of New England comb-back chairs—so named because the back resembles a hair comb—feature curved, arched crest rails. The crest sits on nine bent spindles ending in a concave rail with shaped arms and knuckle grips on vase and ring-turned supports. The contoured saddle seat rests on splayed vase and ring-turned legs joined by bulbous stretchers. These two armchairs are from a rare set of four that possibly belonged to Simeon Baldwin (1761–1851), a successful New Haven lawyer, entrepreneur, judge, and one-time United States Congressman.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Bradley B. Gilman, Chadds Ford, PA;

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