Side Chair
Artist
Maker unknown
Date1805-1830
MediumMahogany, soft maple, reproduction upholstery (black)
DimensionsOverall: 32 1/8 x 18 1/2 x 18 5/8in. (81.6 x 47 x 47.3cm)
ClassificationsFURNISHINGS
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number60.315.1-2
DescriptionPair of Duncan Phyfe-style side chairs with Grecian cross fronts, horn of plenty carved on cresting rail; paw feet; black horsehair covers on slip seats; mahogany?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 TextCompared with earlier neoclassical objects, those produced in the Empire style are more historically correct interpretations of the ancient past. These two chairs present a classic New York interpretation of the ancient Greek klismos form. At the time they were made they were described as "scroll back" side chairs. The characteristic, graceful, inward sweep-extending from the back and down through the seat and front legs-probably had its genesis in classical sources such as vase paintings and grave stelae. Less commonly found features on chairs such as these are a reeded front seat rail and a scrolled strapwork splat.
