Side Chair

Maker, attributed to: Richard Parkin (c. 1787 - 1861) · Philadelphia · ca. 1825–1830

The shape of this chair took its inspiration from the klismos chairs found on ancient Greece vases. The renewed interest in the classical tradition was a strong element in fashion following the Revolutionary War. References to Greece also provided an ideological link between the democratic government of ancient Athens and the structure of the United States's new republic.

Medium

Mahogany (primary); mahogany veneers; yellow-poplar (seat frame); modern upholstery

Dimensions

33.5 x 17.5 x 21 in. (85.1 x 44.5 x 53.3 cm)

Accession

1984.34

Credit line

Mrs. Key Cammack Fund