About this artwork
The form of this chair is influenced by the neo-classical Empire style that prevailed in Europe and the United States at the beginning of the nineteenth century. However, it also displays a distinctly colonial Caribbean aesthetic. Its low height and slanted back were designed for easy leg elevation, necessary to reduce the swelling that was a common ailment caused by the heat. The caning on the seat and back, original to the chair, facilitated airflow and was resistant to tropical nuisances such as mold and insect infestation. The bold, muscular carving is characteristic of West Indian furniture design, which often incorporated motifs, such as spiral twists, that were also associated with certain African wood carving traditions familiar to many Caribbean craftsmen who were descended from enslaved Africans.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Title
- Chair
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Place
- West Indies (Object Possibly made in)
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Date
- 1815–1845
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Medium
- Hardwood, caning
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Dimensions
- 92.1 × 58.5 × 66.1 cm (36 1/4 × 23 × 26 in.)
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Credit Line
- Neville and John H. Bryan Endowment Fund
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Reference Number
- 2022.469
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/264796/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
