Banister-back armchair

Unknown

1720–40 · Hard maple, soft maple, ash · The American Wing

The carved crest rails on top of tall-back William and Mary–style chairs imparted an aura of importance to the sitter by providing a background of flourishes. The large scale and verve of the carving on this chair, with its stylized central leafage and play of repeating C-scrolls, are particularly effective.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1720–40

Medium

Hard maple, soft maple, ash

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909