Banister-back chair

Unknown

1715–35 · Maple · The American Wing

The unusual carved crest rail, banister back, cane seat, and “Spanish” front feet combine to make this one of the most dynamic examples of the William and Mary–style banister-back side chair. The carving on the crest rail is reminiscent of engraved cartouches on contemporary silver, which were indebted to strapwork ornament found in European Baroque design sources. The back’s split banisters were made by gluing together two pieces of wood, shaping the block on a lathe, and then separating it into two pieces again.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1715–35

Medium

Maple

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Screven Lorillard, 1952