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Easy Chair

Upholstered by Caleb Gardner Jr. American
1758
Not on view
Eighteenth-century easy chairs—heavily padded, with thick down-filled cushions, and with wings to rest one's head against and keep drafts away—were often reserved for the elderly or the infirm. This New England example is remarkable for its elaborate upholstery and intact condition. The front is covered with Irish stitch needlework and the back with a needlework landscape scene. The seams are covered with silk tape. The frame is inscribed " Made by Caleb Gardner Junr," presumably the upholsterer, and dated "New Port, May 23 1758."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Easy Chair
  • Maker: Upholstered by Caleb Gardner Jr. (American, 1729–1801)
  • Date: 1758
  • Geography: Made in Newport, Rhode Island, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Walnut, maple; wool on linen ground (front panel), wool and silk on linen ground (back panel), silk and cotton tape, silk and wool tape
  • Dimensions: 46 3/8 x 32 3/8 x 25 7/8 in. (117.8 x 82.2 x 65.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 1950
  • Object Number: 50.228.3
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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