Side Chair

1770–90
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 718
This richly carved Gothic-splat New York chair is part of a set or sets of chairs that descended in the Verplanck family of New York. In addition, the museum owns an armchair and six other side chairs (see 40.137.1; 62.250.1–.3; 63.22.1-.2; 1984.287 for set). All of the chairs exhibit close similarities and may have been made in one shop, although close examination reveals splats from two different templates, carving by two different hands, and the incised marks of two separate sets. The carving of crest rail and splat on this chair matches that on the armchair and four of the side chairs (1984.287, 62.250.1–.3, and 63.22.1). The seat has been reupholstered in a reproduction of fabric that descended in the Verplanck family.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Side Chair
  • Date: 1770–90
  • Geography: Made in New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Mahogany, red oak, sweet gum
  • Dimensions: 38 1/2 x 22 1/4 x 22 in. (97.8 x 56.5 x 55.9 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Robert Newlin Verplanck, 1940
  • Object Number: 40.137.2
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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