Side chair (one of a set of five)

1820-1835 Measurements 32-7/8 in x 17-3/4 in x 20-1/2 in Materials Maple, ash (rungs), rush seat, paint, gilding Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number 1984.4 Condition Notes

The rush seats and seat casings (nailed to the sides of the seats) are replacements on all five chairs.  The gilt decoration on all five chairs is worn in places, consistent with use.  The front stretchers exhibit additional wear.

Provenance

The chairs were acquired from Frances Lantz of Olde Concord Antiques in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, for use in the Wilson-Warner House.

Comments

These five chairs, elegantly grain-painted to imitate rosewood, are decorated with classical motifs rendered in gilt striping and leafage with red details and shading.  The chair backs are S shaped, creating a swooping line from the rear stiles into the curved seat in imitation of high-style klismos chairs that replicated ancient classical seating.  The crest rail was turned on a lathe and then bent into a slight arc.  It has a large rectangular panel in the center, called a "pillow" in its day, and flanked by ring turnings.  Additional ring turnings occur above the inverted baluster-turned legs, which form a leg shape associated with Baltimore and Philadelphia.  This type of chair, namely a relatively inexpensive turned chair painted in a bright, fashionable style, was called a fancy chair in the period.  Fancy chairs were often used around dining tables.

Chair 1984.4.3 was photographed.