Chair

Herter Brothers

1869–70 · Rosewood; marquetry of various woods; gilding composition material · The American Wing

Cabinetmaker Gustave Herter immigrated to America in 1848, joining thousands of Germans fleeing famine, a depressed economy, and political upheaval. Gustave’s younger brother, Christian, arrived in 1859, and the pair formed the esteemed furniture and decorating company, Herter Brothers, in 1864. This chair, which features fluted front legs, carved swans’ heads, and music-themed marquetry plaques, is in the Néo-Grec style – an eclectic combination of Greco-Roman and Egyptian motifs briefly popular immediately following the Civil War.

Artist

Herter Brothers

Date

1869–70

Medium

Rosewood; marquetry of various woods; gilding composition material

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

The Verna Orndorff Charitable Lead Trust, 1994