Sack-back Windsor armchair

1785-1792

Maker

Sampson Barnet (working 1776-1823)

Measurements

39-1/8 in x 25-3/4 in x 23 in

Materials

Tulip poplar* (seat), maple* (legs, stretchers and hoop), hickory* (spindles and arm supports), oak* (arm bow)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1978.107

Inscription

“S·BARNET” is stamped into the front edge of the underside of the seat.  This is the same brand as on accession no. 1979.65.

Condition Notes

The chair was stripped of paint and repainted in a modern green paint meant to look aged.

Provenance

The chair was acquired for use in the Odessa properties from David Stockwell (dealer) with funds provided by H. Rodney Sharp.

Comments

This bow-back Windsor with 9-spindles under the bow and three more under each arm behind the turned arm support, has a carved oval seat.  The four slender legs have elongated baluster turnings above reels and tapering feet.  In contrast to the leg turnings, those on the stretchers are particularly robust.  Similarly, the spindles thicken at the bottom and give the chair-back a visual sense of lift.  The carved knuckle handholds are also well-articulated.  Without the brand under the seat, this Delaware-made Windsor could easily be mistaken for a fine Philadelphia product.

Bibliography

Evans, American Windsor Chairs, pp. 174-5, fig. 4-27