Armchair

Maker unknown · Boston · 1765–85

A key component of the Rococo style is asymmetry. Its use in American furniture is rare. One of the distinctive features of this armchair is the asymmetry of the C-scroll and pendant foliage carving on its knees. This chair belongs to a group of Boston chairs that are believed to have been modeled after imported English examples. They reflect the desire of wealthy Bostonians to imitate English fashions.

Medium

Mahogany (primary); soft maple (cross braces and seat frame); birch (rear corner blocks); modern upholstery

Dimensions

37.4 x 18.7 x 19.6 in. (95.1 x 47.6 x 49.7 cm) · max. W 24.8 in. (62.9 cm)

Accession

1967.26

Credit line

Gift of Maria Trumbull Dana to the Sterling Memorial Library (Library Transfer)