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Turned great chair
about 1640–60
Object Place: Southeastern Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Ash, maple
Dimensions
116.84 x 58.42 x 46.99 cm (46 x 23 x 18 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler
Accession Number32.225
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds
Catalogue Raisonné
Randall 118
DescriptionA double row of spindles in the back of this chair and the simplicity of its members give it an air of delicacy, although the rear posts are 2 5/8 inches in diameter. The slightly raked rear posts are turned adjacent to the upper row of spindles and the triple-tiered finials are composed of an incised ball, a mushroom-like neck, and a bud terminal. The top rung of the back is more elaborately turned than the three spindle rungs which have tapered ends. The six spindles flare toward a central eccentric turning. The front posts have elongated ball tops and are incised with line decoration. Tthe arms and front stretchers are lightly turned, while the side and back stretchers are plain. The rush seat is modern.
The chair had lost some height, as revealed in a 1928 photograph, but was subsequently cut and pieced six inches. The spindles are maple.
The chair had lost some height, as revealed in a 1928 photograph, but was subsequently cut and pieced six inches. The spindles are maple.
ProvenanceLent by Charles H. Tyler, October 3, 1928; included in his bequest (Accession Date September 1, 1932)