Maker unknown
Painted decoration by John Philip Fondé (1794–1831)
Philadelphia
Side Chair
INV-3421
Maker unknown
Painted decoration by John Philip Fondé (1794–1831)
Philadelphiac. 1816
Folk Artseatingfurniture
Date
c. 1816
Medium
Ash, white pine, white oak, painted decoration, and upholstery
Dimensions
81.3 × 40 cm (32 × 15 3/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of James Biddle
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.
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