A Classical Side Chair

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Circa 1820

This fanciful Classical side chair is obviously by the same cabinetmaker as an almost identical chair at the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is pictured in Boor’s book Philadelphia Empire Furniture on page 335, Figure 193. The central splat is composed of two facing dolphins with tails that upturn to become part of the stiles and crest rail. The ends of the crest rail are decorated with carved cornucopias. The central panel of the crest rail is veneered in crotch mahogany. The rest of the stiles, seat rail, and legs conform to shapes associated with Philadelphia chairs. 

Mahogany, (Secondary wood: oak)
Height: 32 ½” Width: 21” Depth: 22”
U1043
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