Side chair, c. 1830

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

In this chair, the painter used fluid brush strokes and possibly tools to create a grained surface resembling rosewood. The technique was an inexpensive way of producing a highly decorative object. The chair was made by turning the front legs and stretchers and joining them with the seat and back saber legs.

John Godley bought a set of these chairs after he moved his family from New Jersey in the 1820s to a farm in Harrison, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati. In 1862 the family headed further west to St. Anthony Falls (Minneapolis) and then to a farm in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. This was the last known surviving chair from the set when it was given to the Institute in 1964 by Godley's great-granddaughter.

Details
Title
Side chair
Role
Artist
Accession Number
64.3
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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