Easy Chair
Unknown Artist
1790–1810
Medium
Black cherry, yellow pine, yellow poplar, basswood, pine
Dimensions
47 1/4 x 35 3/4 x 27 3/4 in. (120 x 90.8 x 70.5 cm)
Classification
Easy chair
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Edith Holden, 1967
Accession Number
67.53.1
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this *Easy Chair* (ca. 1790–1810) exemplifies the craftsmanship of early American furniture makers during the Federal period, a time when the young nation celebrated its independence through elegant, practical home furnishings. Crafted from a mix of native woods—black cherry for its rich, durable grain on visible surfaces, alongside yellow pine, yellow poplar, basswood, and pine for structural elements—this armchair measures an inviting 47¼ x 35¾ x 27¾ inches, designed for comfortable reclining and relaxation in parlors or studies...