Side Chair

Although the maker of this side chair is unknown, he was certainly a master craftsman. He richly carved the pierced legs and stretcher with stylized leaves, bellflowers, and rosettes. Textiles formed the decorative focus of interiors in the late 1600s, when this chair was produced. Placed in symmetrical arrangements against the walls, seat furniture was covered with eye-catching fabrics that emphasized the owner's wealth as well as decorative taste. The modern upholstery attached to this chair with brass studs closely follows the designs of coverings recorded in engravings and paintings of the period.