Side Chair
Artist
American
or
Artist
English
Date1720-1730
Mediumebonized beech, high cane back, with rush seat
Dimensions120.3 x 44.4 x 37.7 cm (47 3/8 x 17 1/2 x 14 13/16 in.)
ClassificationsFurniture
Markings[IS] on rear surface of front stretcher
Credit LineBequest of Miss Bessie S. Paine
Object number1945.45
DescriptionThe manufacture of William and Mary style chairs like this object is difficult to determine, requiring microscopic examination to determine if the Beech is the English or American variety. The oblong back splat is caned which in this period indicates English origin, but the rush of the trapezoidal seat is a New England material. The rush of the seat is aged but probably not original, and it is fraying at the front seat rail.The carved crestrail forms the arch of the caned splat, with scroll, geometric, and crescent moon carvings on either side. The bottom frame of the splat is an inversion of the top, but is less decorative with only ridges carved in its anterior surface. This carving is matched on both side panels of the splat frame. Turned rear stiles brace the oblong splat and are continuous with the rear Stump legs, giving the chair a canted profile. The stiles and legs thicken into rectangular blocks at their joins with the splat, stretchers, and the seat rail. The rear and 'H' stretchers are turned, but the stretcher braced by the two front Baluster legs is carved to match the crestrail. [IS] is carved on the rear surface of the front stretcher and similar marks have been found on contemporary chairs of Boston manufacture. The front Ball feet are worn, and the lack of varnish around some of the joins indicates repairs.ProvenanceMiss Bessie S. Paine, Brookline, MA;
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