Chair
early 18th century
Medium
furniture
Classification
furniture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Harvey Smith
Accession Number
1968-140-11
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This unassuming yet elegant *Chair* from the early18th century offers a glimpse into everyday life during America's colonial period. Crafted as functional furniture, it exemplifies the practical artistry of the time, when chairs were not mere seats but symbols of status and craftsmanship. Housed in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection—thanks to the generous gift of Harvey Smith piece belongs to the broader tradition of American decorative arts, blending utility with subtle design. Dating to the 1700s, such chairs often drew inspiration from English and European styles, adapted by loca...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...