A Fine Chippendale Shell-Carved and Figured Mahogany Open Armchair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circa 1770

Brass plaque attached to rear seatrail inscribed Freeman's sale 1930.  Slip seat frame numbered I.

Mrs. Laura M. Hess, Benton, Pennsylvania;
Freeman’s, Philadelphia, May 14-15, 1930 as her property;
Purchased by R. Wistar Harvey through Thomas Curran;
Bequest of R. Wistar Harvey to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1940.

The Antiquarian, Vol. 15, July 1930, p. 46 in an article about the Freeman’s sale.

Secondary wood is White Oak. Rear rail of original slipseat replaced. Large wrought-iron bracing attached to underside of slipseat frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

There are many variations of Philadelphia side chairs in the Rococo style with pierced splats, scrolled ears, shell-carving at the crest, apron, and knees, and flattened arched seat rails, but armchair examples are rare. As seen here, the splat and crest design have been enlarged proportionally to accommodate the broader dimensions, resulting in a handsome rendition of the form.

With its tall back and pierced splat, this chair is a classic early example of the Philadelphia Rococo style. The serpentine crest rail is relieved with a boldy-carved symmetrical shell and heavily scrolled ears. The open arms are supported by shaped uprights and terminate in heavily scrolled terminals. The seat rail rails are undercut and the front rail displays a large applied crisply carved symmetrical shell. The knees are also shell-carved. The front cabriole legs terminate in claw-and-ball feet with finely articulated talons. The stump rear legs are oval in cross section and curve backward.

The mate to this armchair numbered II on the seat frame with a slip seat marked II sold at Sotheby’s, Important Americana from The Collection of Diane and Norman Bernstein, The Lindens, Washington, DC, January 22, 2006, sale 8160, lot 170.