A Queen Anne Compass Seat Side Chair

1750-1770

A Queen Anne compass seat side chair (American, Newport, c. 1760-1770) attributed to Joseph Davenport. The flat-fronted, incurvate crest rail has arched shoulders, is rounded at the back, and attached to the flat-fronted stiles with mortise and tenon joints. The flat vasiform splat is pierced with a central inverted teardrop shape, is flanked by elongated tapered openings, and crested with rounded ends reminiscent of earlier hooped-crest examples. The serpentine seat rail holds a green silk velvet upholstered slip seat. The chair is supported by four legs, the front two of which are cabriole in shape with rounded knees and pad feet, the rear legs are plain block form and slightly splayed. The front feet differ in size, with the proper left foot being noticeably bigger than the proper right foot. The legs are joined by turned H-shaped stretchers and a single rear stretcher.

Rhode Island Furniture Archive Number: RIF4797

American, Newport

mahogany (primary)

maple (slip seat frame)

silk velvet (upholstery)

36.5" x 21" x 19.75"

Gift of Mr. Josh W. Smith, 2006.

PSNC.11423