Armchair, "Prince of Wales" pattern

Attributed to: J. W. Hamburger (American, born in Prussia, 1840 to about 1896)
Formerly attributed to: John Jelliff and Co. (1836–1890)

1870

Object Place: New York, New York, United States

Medium/Technique Walnut, modern upholstery

Dimensions Overall: 101.3 x 64.8 x 61 cm (39 7/8 x 25 1/2 x 24 in.)

Credit Line Gift of Supporters of the Department of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Accession Number1990.258

ON VIEW
Jan and Warren Adelson Gallery (Gallery 221)

CollectionsAmericas

ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds

This armchair is very similar to one illustrated in the 1872 catalogue of J. W. Hamburger, where it was among the most costly items. Hamburger aimed to give his goods an air of refinement and nobility by assigning them names with historical or aristocratic associations. The upholstery fabric and trims are hand-woven replicas of original fragments found on this chair.

DescriptionUpholstered armchair in Neo-Grec or Renaissance Revival style with turned legs, carved caryatid armrests, upholstered oval back and central portrait medallion on crest. Portrait medallion is a profile image of Clara Louise Kellogg (1842-1916), opera soprano. Raised lettering under the profile reads "Miss C. L. Kellogg."

ProvenanceMuseum purchase from Charlotte and Edgar Sittig (antiques dealers, Shawnee-on Delaware, Pennsylvania), 1990.