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Armchair
Possibly by: Thomas Seymour (American (born in England), 1771–1848)
1812–17
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Mahogany with ebonized veneer inlays, maple, modern upholstery
Dimensions
Overall: 88.3 x 55.6 x 48.9 cm (34 3/4 x 21 7/8 x 19 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Swan Collection—Bequest of Miss Elizabeth Howard Bartol
Accession Number27.528
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds
According to family tradition, James and Hepzibah Swan of Dorchester, Massachusetts, originally owned this chair. The ebonized inlays on the legs and arms are an unusual touch. Swan, a Boston merchant, built up a lucrative trade during the French Revolution by importing essential goods to France and exporting to America fine furnishings confiscated from the French nobility by the new republic. Some of these furnishings may be seen in the Museum's European galleries.
DescriptionThe rectangular top rail overhangs at the sides and is inlaid with a panel of crotch mahogany framed with a string of black dyed mahogany. The lower rail is inlaid with a black diamond, and the curved stiles with long black drops. Similar black diamonds decorate the upper surfaces of the scrolled arms. The seat is upholstered over the rails. The sabre front legs have inlaid drops in black and complement the outward curve of the rear legs.
ProvenanceJames (1754-1830) and Hepzibah Swan of Dorchester, Mass.; gift of his descendent, Elizabeth Howard Bartol (Accession Date September 8, 1927)