Likely Produced by a Philadelphia-Trained Craftsman
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A distinctive Rhode Island Windsor armchair displaying the restrained aesthetic associated with Quaker taste. The deeply shaped continuous arm embraces a broad saddle seat and supports a closely spaced arrangement of slender spindles; turned arm supports descend to the seat. Above, seven long spindles rise to a gently bowed top rail terminating in outstanding boldly carved inward-rolling volutes. The volutes are not incidental decoration; they are beautifully conceived and quite assertive against an otherwise remarkably restrained chair…the wonderfully vigorous carved scrolls make this commodious comfortable chair memorable.
The chair combines construction and design elements associated with Rhode Island shop traditions with details suggesting a maker trained within the Philadelphia chairmaking tradition. Particularly noteworthy are the sculptural arm terminals, strongly turned legs and characteristic surviving foot profiles. The economical use of ornament, graceful proportions, and beautifully developed old surface give the chair an unusually strong architectural presence.
Origin: Rhode Island
Item Date: Circa 1790 - 1810
Material: Mixed woods; very old dark surface
Item Condition: The feet are worn, especially the rear feet which are nearly gone. There is an expert repair to shrinkage crack at rearmost center of arm-rail that doesn’t distract; the structural integrity is without compromise.
Price: $4,250
SKU 1500-3
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.