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Side chair
1730–60
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Walnut; reproduction needlework seat
Dimensions
102.87 x 51.43 x 44.13 cm (40 1/2 x 20 1/4 x 17 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler
Accession Number32.330
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds
With its elongated, vase-shaped splat (center of back); serpentine-shaped stiles (side posts) flattened on the front faces; and cabriole legs supported by turned block-and-spindle stretchers, this chair is a good example of those made in many Boston-area shops, beginning in the early 1730s.
Catalogue Raisonné
Randall 134
DescriptionA side chair with a compass seat; the spooned back has flat stiles, a yoke-shaped crest, and a vase-shaped splat that rests on a molded shoe. The seat rails are cut on the front and sides with a flat-headed arch. The cabriole legs have shaped knee brackets and cushioned pad feet, and the canted rear legs are chamfered above and below the stretchers. The stretchers are block and baluster turned, with an extra ring detail on the "thimble" ends of the stretcher.
The top rail is pinned to the stiles from the front. The inside seat rail is straight, forming a wide seat support. The slip seat and corner blocks are modern.
The top rail is pinned to the stiles from the front. The inside seat rail is straight, forming a wide seat support. The slip seat and corner blocks are modern.
InscriptionsChiseled inside seat rail: "VI"
ProvenanceBequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler (Accession Date September 1, 1932)