catalog text
AMERICAN BRACE-BACK CONTINUOUS-ARM WINDSOR CHAIR
New York, ca. 1790 | retaining an early nearly black painted surface
Item # 310LJI05P
A very fine continuous-arm windsor chair with a brace-back form, it retains an early and beautifully oxidized black pigment and shellac finish that is worn and brilliant. The steam-bent rail surrounding the nine-spindle back flanks the seat raised over two short spindles and ring-turned baluster arm supports that allow the handholds to dip and then curve upward into the subtly shaped handholds. The exquisite profile is soft with a lightening of every element that makes the chair seem to almost float - the seat profile is lightened to a sharp point along the edge and the arms rails are incredibly thin and elegant, terminating in the same sharp bevel as the horeshoe seat while each has a slight outward twist that balances the form.
This chair was last available on the market in 1985 when it was offered with Sotheby's in New York. The original lot label from that sale is still affixed to the tail-end of the brace-back. A very fine and well-preserved acquisition.
For a similar example with similarly lovely delicate profile though not having quite as beautiful of a richly oxidized dark finish, see Sotheby's, New York, 22 September 2022, lot 11 (A Black-Painted Continuous Arm Brace-Back Bow-Back Windsor Armchair, New York, Circa 1800), achieved $ 4410 USD.
Measurements: 37 3/4" H x 20 5/8" D x 19 5/8" W, 17 3/8" H to seat
Condition Report:
Very early oxidized, worn and nearly black finish sealed under very old shellac; a very nice glow throughout; remnants of white pigment and and underlying greenish pigment traces on the underside around the legs; good tight joints; a fine functional and positively gorgeous example.