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Banister-back armchair

1720–40
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 711
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Banister-back armchair
  • Date: 1720–40
  • Geography: Possibly made in Massachusetts, United States; Possibly made in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Hard maple, soft maple, ash
  • Dimensions: 44 1/2 x 23 x 22 1/2 in. (113 x 58.4 x 57.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
  • Object Number: 10.125.219
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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