About This Artwork

Maker unknown
Painted decoration by John Philip Fondé (1794-1831)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Side Chair, c. 1816

Ash, white pine, white oak, and painted decoration
81.3 x 40 cm (32 x 15 3/4 in.)
Gift of James Biddle, 1970.436

This side chair is one of a set of 10 made for Major David Lenox’s summer home in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The painted decoration, by Philadelphia sign painter John Philip Fondé, is meant to resemble maple, reflecting the popularity of maple and satinwood Neoclassical furniture. In addition, ornamentation imitating ormolu mounts and metal inlay enhances visual interest, providing a contrast between matte and polished surfaces. The dramatic curves of the tablet back, rear saber legs, and stiles resemble ancient Greek klismos chairs, while the turned front legs are derived from Roman prototypes. Such an interest in archaeological furniture characterized the classical taste of the period.

The chair’s original upholstery has been replaced with accurate period fabric.

Exhibition, Publication and Ownership Histories

Publication History

Judith A. Barter and Monica Obniski, "For Kith and Kin: The Folk Art Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago," (Art Institute of Chicago/Yale University Press, 2012), fig. 1, p. 41.