Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Chair

Object Number

2013-100-1 D

Description

One of a set of four side chairs. Side chair with arched crest rail, pierced back splat with Prince of Wales feathers, tapered and molded front legs, and over-the-rail upholstery. The back of the chair is formed by an arched crest rail with squared sides, atop two stiles. Centered below the arch of the crest rail is a pierced splat with a grouping of three Prince of Wales feathers in the top center. Feathers rest atop a portion of the splat extending from a curved ribbon of wood that crosses through the middle of the splat. The feathers are surrounded by a horseshoe shaped arch and by curved ribs. Each curved rib has a carved rosette on top and a raised bead along the outer edge; the ribs form the outside edges of the splat. The arch and ribs continue below the curved ribbon of wood to the bottom of the splat. The splat is joined at the bottom to a removable splat shoe just above the back seat rail. The center splat is blind pierced below the Price of Wales plume and above the shoe. The front of each stile, above the seat, and the front of the crest rail are molded with a beaded edge on both sides. Above the seat, each stile curves slightly to conform to the shape of the upper splat, and is slanted back. Below the seat, each stile forms a back leg which is curved back and also slanted toward the center back of the chair. The seat has curved sides with a serpentine front, the rear seat rail is veneered with mahogany. It is upholstered with over-the-rails green horsehair fabric with a stylized geometric pattern in the weave over the side and front seat rails. Two rows of decorative tacks adorn the front and side rails. The rear seat rail is veneered with mahogany. The front legs are molded and taper from the height of the seat down to the foot. Each side and back of the chair has a plain rectangular stretcher connecting the legs. A medial stretcher is dovetailed into the two side stretchers. The underside of the seat has newer corner blocks affixed with modern screws. The original front-to-back seat stretchers are missing, but the seat frame retains evidence of their existence.

Comment

These chairs were owned and used by New Milford, CT resident Elijah Boardman. Boardman was a successful merchant, businessman, and politician. His portrait, painted by Ralph Earl hangs in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.