Although not labeled, this imposing Gothic Revival armchair is ascribed to the early career of Brooks, an important Brooklyn cabinetmaker who supplied the New York market throughout the mid-nineteenth century. It is related to a documented suite of furniture made by Brooks in 1847 for Henry C. Bowen of Brooklyn Heights and Woodstock, Connecticut. American Gothic Revival furniture of such quality is uncommon, especially in rosewood, and this is the first piece by Brooks to enter the collection.

The chair is animated by pierce-carved, acorn-studded vines that lead the eye to Gothic tracery framed by clustered colonnettes. The tall back culminates in a pointed arch surmounted by a bold crocket. A symmetrical sprig of leaves and acorns stretches across the front seat rail, the arms meet the side rails with a foliate flourish, and the handholds are draped with an unusual motif resembling a thick wilted leaf, a detail that is considered a Brooks trademark.