Armchair
Attributed to
M. and H. Schrenkeisen
(American, 1859 - 1903)
Date1870-1875
MediumRosewood, ash, eastern white pine, gilding, reproduction upholstery
DimensionsOverall: 43 1/2 × 32 × 28 1/4in. (110.5 × 81.3 × 71.8cm)
ClassificationsFURNISHINGS
Credit LineGift of the Mildred Bisselle Fewlass Estate
Terms
Object number86.82.2
On View
On viewCollections
Copyright<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc/4.0/80x15.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
Label TextThe attribution of this armchair is based on its extraordinary similarity to the "Grand Duchess" suite photographically illustrated in the 1872 catalogue of the New York City manufacturer M. & H. Schrenkeisen. The Schrenkeisen firm was an important contributor to the exceptionally complicated, late nineteenth-century, New York City furniture trade. Scores of firms made everything from specialized furniture parts to entire matching suites.
To maintain a presence in the vastly competitive market, Schrenkeisen specialized in parlor suites, offered an array of decorative options, and sold only wholesale. The suites were available "plain or carved" or with "extra heavy carving," and furniture frames could feature oil or varnish finishes with or without gilded detailing. Clients could specify whether they wanted upholstery and, if so, what they preferred for stuffing, fabric, and tufting pattern.
Schrenkeisen parlor suites generally consisting of a sofa, two armchairs, and four side chairs were sold wholesale and ranged in price from $17.50 for unembellished, unupholstered frames to the elaborate "Grand Duchess" suite covered in silk for $266 wholesale, a considerable sum in the 1870s. It is likely that the retailer doubled these prices to cover his overhead and profit. Therefore, furniture like the MWPAI chair featuring two expensive, labor-intensive options of diamond tufting and gilded detailing was beyond the reach of all but wealthy consumers.
ATD
Upholstery: Clients could specify whether what they preferred for upholstery stuffing, fabric, and tufting pattern. This chair survived with its original upholstery in poor condition on the back. The remnants are preserved and the new show cover is an exact color, weave, and fiber content match to the original-a satin weave in mohair and cotton.
