Side Chair
Regionfrom the area of
Salem
(Massachusetts)
Date1760–1770
Mediummahogany, pine
Dimensions97.1 cm (38 1/4 in.) x 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.) x 53.3 cm (21 in)
ClassificationsFurniture
Markings[PAINE] scratched into bottom surface of rear seat rail
[WAM 1965.284B] in red paint on interior surface of left rear leg
Credit LineGift of the Paine Charitable Trust
Object number1965.284.1
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 exterior surface of the seat rail, there are four extra nails; two in the center and two on the proper left side. 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 [III] is carved on the interior surface of the front seat rail, indicating that this was the third chair made in its set. Evidence of early upholstery nails can be found on the bottom surfaces of the two side seat rails. There is severe scratching on the interior surface of the right seat rail. 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. 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. 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. There a knot in the wood can be found, and should be handled gently. A turned 'H' stretcher gives further support, and scoring marks are visible on the right anterior surface of the center stretcher, near the join. There is also a contemporary reiforcing nail or repair visible. The left stretcher is missing a large piece of wood on its bottom surface.ProvenancePaine Charitable Trust
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