Fan-back windsor armchair

Maker unknown · Nantucket · 1780–1800

This classic New England fan-back Windsor chair features a very tall back strengthened by bracing spindles, snaking arms attached to the unusually long round sections of the rear posts, and a commodious oval seat. Windsor chairs with these characteristics are often said to be made on Nantucket, and this one has a history of having been owned on the neighboring island, Martha's Vineyard. It belonged to Obadiah Pease (1743–1831) of Edgartown.

Medium

Crest rail, spindles, white oak; seat, white pine; stiles, arms, arm supports, legs, and stretchers, beech

Dimensions

43.3 x 21.3 x 20 in. (109.9 x 54 x 50.8 cm)

Accession

1930.2360

Credit line

Mabel Brady Garvan Collection