Chair
- Object Name:
- Chair
- Object ID:
- 1958.099
- Place of Origin:
- New England, possibly Merrimack Valley
- Date:
- 1720-1770
- Description:
- Side Chair. Banister-back type, with crest rail framed between stiles of back and having both upper and lower outlines arched at the center, upper edge being elaborately curved on either side of arch; back of crest beveled along top edge, as well as around arch at bottom; turned stiles with vase, baluster and ring elements above lower back rail; cylindrical section continuous with leg below back rail; turned finials of slightly flared shape with large terminal buttons; four split balusters, flat on front and rounded on reverse, repeating turnings of stiles; baluster supported on horizontal rail above rush seat, rail having bead on front lower edge; balusters arranged so there is a void at center below arch in crest. Front seat rail expands into exposed cubes at ends above legs with an applied boss on top of each. Front legs are vase-turned at top and cylindrical below with ring turnings. Cylindrical rear legs. Six turned stretchers: baluster-turned front stretcher with central reel turnings and cone terminals; back stretcher and two on each side all plain and cylindrical. Rush seat. Balusters apparently pine. Painted black, evidence of earlier green paint. Joint at seat and right front leg loose. Gouge in back of right front leg. Modern nails reinforcing junctures of stiles of back with seat. Front stretcher turned so wear is underneath. Evidence of three-pronged buttons formerly on bottoms of legs. Known as one of Matthew Thornton's "parlor chairs."
- Material:
- Wood
Grass - Dimensions:
- H-46.375 W-18.375 D-17.625 inches
- Provenance:
- History of having belonged to Matthew Thornton (c. 1714-1803) of Londonderry and Merrimack (Thornton's Ferry), NH. Chair was given by maid in the Thornton household (Thornton's Ferry, NH, house owned by Dr. James Greeley) -- known as "Aunt Almira [C]otton" -- to Joseph Greeley Putnam in 1876. Joseph Greeley Putnam gave it to her niece, Alice Stuart Hanson, c.1927.
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Herman Hanson, in memory of Alice Stuart Hanson
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