Side chair

Status

Not on view

Label Text

Miss Mary Custis Lee, the great-great granddaughter of Martha Washington, presented this pedestal-back side chair to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association in 1916. She stated that it was originally owned by Mrs. Washington, but this history is the subject of ongoing research.

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Date1790-1800

Geography Possibly made - United States

Medium/TechniqueMahogany (primary), cherry (front legs) white pine (corner blocks)

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 37 3/4 in. x 21 3/4 in. x 19 5/16 in. (95.89 cm x 55.25 cm x 49.05 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mary Custis Lee, 1916

Object numberW-137

DescriptionPedestal-back side chair with serpentine crest rail, pierced and carved strapwork splat, trapezoidal slip seat frame beaded on its upper edge, and square, tapered front legs joined by H-mounted stretchers and a rear stretcher mounted higher between the rear legs. Elongated S-shaped splat pierced with five ribs or straps. The central rib, pierced with opposing teardrops at top and base, supports a carved anthemion or shell with a pendant bellflower above and is flanked by carved swags of bellflowers or husks suspended from rings on the outer ribs. Flat-faced crest rail and stiles with a bead-molded outside edges and rounded backs. Raked-back rear legs chamfered on the inside corners. Corner blocks are modern replacements.

Slip seat upholstered in a quilted, natural-colored cotton printed in red with sprigs of flowers and rural vignettes.

Published ReferencesHelen Maggs Fede, Washington Furniture at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, Virginia: Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1966), 55-56.

MarkingsInscribed on the inside of the rear seat rail, near center: "x". Inscribed on the underside of the rear rail of the slip seat frame: "X".

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