Side Chair
1800–1810
Medium
Mahogany, maple, tulip poplar, cane
Dimensions
Dimensions unavailable
Classification
Side Chair
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mrs. Paul Moore Gift, by exchange, 1974
Accession Number
1974.102.1
Art Historical Context
This elegant side chair, crafted by American cabinetmakers Hugh Finlay and John Finlay 1800 and 1810, stands as a fine example of early 19-century furniture from the United States. Fashioned from luxurious mahogany for the frame, with maple, tulip poplar, cane accents, it reflects the skilled woodworking traditions of the period. The choice of mahogany—a dense, imported tropical hardwood prized for its rich grain and polish—highlights the craftsmanship of urban workshops, while the cane seat provided breathability and lightness ideal for dining rooms or parlors. In the context of post-Revolut...
About the Artist
Hugh Finlay|John Finlay (American| ) · 1797 |1796 –1837 |1833
active ca. 1800–37|active ca. 1799–1833