Great Chair
Artist/Culture
American
Date1700–1730
Mediummaple
Dimensions107.3 × 62.2 × 48.3 cm (42 1/4 × 24 1/2 × 19 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Karl and Dorothy Briel
Terms
Object number1999.317
DescriptionThis early New England slat-backed chair with three rectangular slats, each joined into the stiles. The two upper stiles are rounded at the top edge, and the rear stiles taper upwards and also have rounded edges. The rear legs are continuous with the stiles, and the chair has a straight profile. Through tenons are visible on the anterior surfaces of the front legs where the trapezoidal seat is joined. The woven rush on the seat has been replaced and prevents viewing of the seat rail surface. Both arms are joined to the stiles and front legs with through tenons, and have curved, rounded knuckles. The front legs taper up towards the join, and all of the legs on this chair are the Marlborough type. There are four exterior stretchers, all rounded, and the tenons of both side stretchers are visible on the anterior surface of the front legs.Label TextAlthough simple in construction, hewn wooden chairs such as this were the specialized product of early joiners and carpenters. Specific woodworking tools would have been necessary for cleaving and working logs into furniture pieces. A drawknife could be used to create the square maple posts as well as the rounded ash stretchers, while the arched and shouldered slats would have been riven with a froe or shake axe. The rush seat was constructed by continuously weaving strands of bulrush or cattail leaves around each corner. Details such as the shaped handholds were the consideration of an experienced woodworker.
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