Side Chair
Furniture MakerSide chair frame made by
Unknown
Date1850-1860
MediumMahogany, ash, wool embroidery
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width x depth): 34 1/2 x 18 x 19 7/8in. (87.6 x 45.7 x 50.5cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Mrs. C. E. McKinley
DescriptionMahogany side chair in the Rococo revival style, with a carved crest rail and slat, a balloon back, a needlework seat cover, and cabriole front legs. The back of the chair is formed by an arched crest rail atop two curved stiles. The top and front of the crest rail are carved with flowers, leaves and scrolls. Below the crest rail is a horizontal, pierced slat, carved with symmetrical scrolled leaves. The crest rail and slat bow back in the center. Each stile curves outward at the top to continue the curve of the crest rail then narrow toward the back seat rail; this shape is known as a balloon-back. Below the seat, each stile extends down to form a leg that is curved back. The seat is trapezoidal, with a serpentine front seat rail, and bowed side seat rails. The seat is upholstered with a dark blue embroidered upholstery, with two large pink and red flowers in the center surrounded by a circular spray of green leaves. The front seat rail is carved with a projecting flower and leaves in the center. Each cabriole front leg has a carved knee with a projecting, abstract spray of leaves over a foot that is also carved with a small scroll of leaves.
Condition: The left side of the seat rail has broken and been repaired. Both side seat rails are lightly worn and scratched. The needlework seat cover is replaced. The linen and sackcloth on the underside of the seat frame have been replaced or reapplied; the linen has begun to detach from the nails.
Design and Construction Details: The crest rail is constructed of two pieces of wood that are laminated together. The crest rail is supported on tenons at the top of each stile. The slat is tenoned into each stile. Each seat rail is tenoned into the top of the legs. The remainder of the seat frame construction is hidden underneath the upholstery. The upholstery consists of a needlework seat cover (replaced) applied partially over-the-rails, with an applied navy and tan braid where the needlework cover meets the front and side seat rails. The upholstery is supported by springs and other stuffing materials, over a coarse sackcloth and a black plain weave linen nailed to the underside of the seat frame.
Condition: The left side of the seat rail has broken and been repaired. Both side seat rails are lightly worn and scratched. The needlework seat cover is replaced. The linen and sackcloth on the underside of the seat frame have been replaced or reapplied; the linen has begun to detach from the nails.
Design and Construction Details: The crest rail is constructed of two pieces of wood that are laminated together. The crest rail is supported on tenons at the top of each stile. The slat is tenoned into each stile. Each seat rail is tenoned into the top of the legs. The remainder of the seat frame construction is hidden underneath the upholstery. The upholstery consists of a needlework seat cover (replaced) applied partially over-the-rails, with an applied navy and tan braid where the needlework cover meets the front and side seat rails. The upholstery is supported by springs and other stuffing materials, over a coarse sackcloth and a black plain weave linen nailed to the underside of the seat frame.
Object number1960.8.0
NotesHistorical Note: According to a letter written by the donor, this chair was part of the pulpet furniture (along with a sofa and three other chairs) of the First Congregational Church in Rockville, Connecticut, built in the 1830s. Her husband was formerly the pastor of that church, and she embroidered the cover on the seat.Subject Terms
On View
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