Chair
- Object Name:
- Chair
- Object ID:
- 1949.019.03
- Creator:
- Beall, Gustavus (1790-1866)
Cabinetmaker - Place of Origin:
- Georgetown, DC
- Date:
- 1813-1817
- Description:
- Side Chair. Rectangular crest rail having carved drapery swags on its face and an applied roll at top; crest framed between rectangular stiles, each of which also has a rolled top, with a turned boss applied to its outer side. The carved drapery is set within a recessed panel and is pendent at center from a carved bowknot and at each end from a stylized flower. Narrower horizontal rail framed between stiles above seat; both lower rail and stiles have reeded front surfaces and rounded backs. The space within the rectangular framework of the back is traversed diagonally by two S-curved members which form a cross, at the center of which is an oval medallion carved with stylized foliage; the face of these crossed members is also reeded. Round seat with straight back, upholstered over seat rails; upholstery secured with a double row of brass-plated tacks. Cabriole front legs, each square in cross-section and decorated on the face with a recessed panel which terminates 2 1/2 inches above floor; square back-curving rear legs. Seat frame construction not visible because of fabric undercovering. Two copper plates, one on outer surface of rear seat rail, reading "M.V.89" and one at top of right rear leg, reading: "H. 1239/D". Typed paper labels with NHHS accession information on bottom of rear seat rail. Several small gouges on legs. Surface of leather upholstery is crazed and split; two decorative racks missing. Piece replaced at lower left corner of crest. Repaired break at top of left stile. One of a set of 8 side chairs and 2 arm chairs.
- Material:
- Wood
Leather
Mahogany - Dimensions:
- H-33 W-18.75 D-21.125 inches
- Provenance:
- From a set of chairs stored for some years in the basement at Mount Vernon, said to have come from Daniel Webster's house in Washington. Given to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 1911 by Medora (Mrs. Elisha Francis) Riggs. Webster's house on Lafayette square was later owned by William Corcoran, the business partner of George W. Riggs, the father-in-law of Mrs. Elisha Francis Riggs.
- Credit Line:
- Gift of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association
- Subjects:
- Dining, Neoclassicism
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