“Stop to appreciate these 1770 side chairs, which reveal the sophisticated taste and craftsmanship of late 18th-century American furniture, complete with a meticulously recreated period upholstery.”
These side chairs, dating to 1770, exemplify the elegant yet sturdy furniture designed for American homes in the late 18th century. Crafted from rich mahogany, tulipwood, and white pine, their construction speaks to both durability and aesthetic refinement. The graceful curves of the backrest and legs, characteristic of the Chippendale style popular at the time, offer a sense of movement and lightness despite the solid wood. The careful selection of materials and the refined joinery would have made these pieces a significant investment, reflecting the owner's status and taste. The upholstery, a vibrant floral pattern, is a modern re-creation, handwoven on 19th-century English looms to replicate an authentic 18th-century English fabric, offering a glimpse into the original luxurious appearance these chairs would have presented.
- Artist
- Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
- Date
- 1770
- Medium
- Mahogany, tulipwood, white pine, and upholstery
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- Each: 93.3 × 57.8 × 45.7 cm (36 3/4 × 22 3/4 × 18 in.)
- Collection
- Arts of the Americas
- Culture
- New York City
- Credit line
- Gift of Emily Crane Chadbourne
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

The intricate carving on the top rail of the chair's back.
The delicate, pierced splat (the vertical support in the backrest).
The cabriole legs, curving outwards then tapering inward.
The claw-and-ball feet, a popular decorative motif.
1 more detail is waiting.
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Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.
Further Works by Aberdeen
Southern Barbarians
1625 · Art Institute of Chicago
Baskets with Flowers of the Four Seasons
1701 · Art Institute of Chicago
Flower Arrangements
1595 · Art Institute of Chicago
Sketchbook: Souvenir of Naples
1821 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Five Points
1822 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Side Chair
1750 · Art Institute of Chicago
Punch Bowl
1789 · Art Institute of Chicago
Chest of Drawers
1800 · Art Institute of Chicago
More works to explore
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