Late 17th Century Chairs
1700`s ENGLISH CHAIRS — late 17th century, lighter ‘Anglo Dutch’ designs - antique upholstered or caned chairs - oak chair with cabriole legs - small upholstered antique wooden chair claw foot- mahogany chairs - cabriole legs ebony chair in walnut
In the 1600`s lighter antique upholstered or caned chairs came into fashion. The backs were supported not by a framed panel but by cross pieces covered in leather as in the case of this `Cromwellian’ example with bobbin turned base. c. 1660
Examples such as this oak chair with cabriole legs are also found in which all the members are spiral turned and the seat and back caned. Generally structurally weak if in walnut and so the price is low. c.1760
The Dutch-inspired decorative excesses of the Restoration furniture resulted in this type of chair becoming heavily carved, as in this excellent example. But despite the mass of decoration the basic construction was still the same, except for the bold sweep of the arms. 1675
A good average example of upholstered walnut queen anne antique chair (to which castors have been added in the nineteenth century). c.1685
A more countrified cabriole legs ebony chair in walnut, none the less an interesting example for it has fine colour and shows the start of several future design trends. The centre of the top rail shows the tightly packed curve carved in the pre-Chippendale period and the simple front stretcher, the double bulge turnings found in country chairs of the early eighteenth century. The front legs end in scrolled ‘Spanish’ feet. c. 1690
Backs of the chairs became high and the construction less solid. The opportunity for highly carved decoration is still seized upon; note the exuberant front stretcher and scrolled front legs. However, the thin flat seats were dowelled into the legs and, as the wood used was often beech or walnut, they had nowhere near the strength of the earlier oak examples. This is the key to their relatively low value; many of them are unsuitable for anything other than decorative purposes.
An upholstered chair from the end of the 17th century reminds a gothic gothic. The close carved vertical splats have replaced the long panelled cane backs. Note the graceful serpentine cross-stretchers with a centre finial. The bold curve of the arms helps the fine design but is expensive on material. The seat is now upholstered. Chairs of this type were designed by Daniel Mariot. c. 1690
The high back of mahogany chairs remains as does the decorated leg support which has moved back to become a stretcher. The legs have adopted the new cabriole form as yet without much confidence. Note the awkward square section at the top and the tentative carving on the knee which is in strong contrast to the assurance of the well carved back. c.1700. Value of antique 17th centuries chairs are high and the chairs are easily identified.
Tags: 17th century, CHAIRS, Chippendale, chippendale period, country, country chairs, eighteenth century, nineteenth century, oak, Restoration, walnut, wood