Side Chair

Among American colonial furniture, Philadelphia pieces are renowned for their rich decoration and energetically carved ball-and-claw feet. This example is noteworthy for the finely executed shell marking the curved back rail, the ends of which scroll gracefully into “ears.” The unknown craftsman who made the chair further enriched the rail with delicate tasseled cords. Also typical of Philadelphia are the shells ornamenting the center of the apron and the “knees” of the sturdy cabriole legs. Colonial craftsmen working in other American cities usually left these areas unadorned. The chair’s Philadelphia origins are likewise evident in its rear legs. Rather than continuing the squared form of the stiles (which form the sides of the back), they are slightly rounded. Known as “stumping,” this is a characteristic of the city’s craftsmen. The chair is beautifully preserved, and appears to retain its original finish, giving the work a rich plum-colored tone.

The sophistication and intricate design of Philadelphia pieces reflect the city’s affluent and cosmopolitan culture. By the 1750s, it had surpassed Boston as the largest colonial city. A booming international trade center, Philadelphia attracted immigrant and native-born artisans alike. Trained in the latest European fashions or colonial styles, they created lavish interiors and furnishings for the mercantile elite.