Side Chair
Manufacturer
Unknown
Dateca. 1785
MediumWood | Gesso | Ivory | Paint | upholstery
DimensionsOverall: 35 x 19 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (88.9 x 49.5 x 44.5 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineChrysler Museum of Art, Moses Myers House, Norfolk, Virginia. The Historic Houses are the property of the City of Norfolk and are operated by The Chrysler Museum.
Object numberM51.1.33
DescriptionLouis XVI side chair (one of a pair) with an upholstered seat and back. The chair has tapered turned legs with stop fluting and channel molded seat rails, and the seat has "half over-the-rail" upholstery. The back is rectangular, with molded stiles and rails outlining the upholstery panel. The chair is currently painted ivory and appears to retain several earlier paint layers. The pair of Myers family chairs are said to be part of a set of twelve chairs purchased for James Madison by James Monroe while minister to France. Dolley Madison gave these two chairs to Moses Myers II (grandson of Moses Myers) and his second wife, James Madison's great-niece, at the time of their marriage.
