Armchair
1690–1725
Medium
Maple with leather
Dimensions
123.2 × 58.4 × 43.2 cm (48 1/2 × 23 × 17 in.)
Classification
seating
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
73673
Art Historical Context
This stately armchair, dating from 1690–1725, stands as a fine example of early colonial American craftsmanship. Constructed from sturdy maple wood with leather upholstery, it measures an impressive 123.2 × 58.4 × 43.2 cm (48 1/2 × 23 × 17 in.), designed for both comfort and durability in everyday use. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts the Americas department and classified as seating, its anonymous creation underscores the skilled work of unnamed artisans in the New World. Maple, abundant in North American forests, was a practical choice for furniture makers during this period, p...