Side Chair

Maker unknown

Philadelphia, 1820–35

Mahogany, mahogany veneer, maple, tulip poplar

Gift of Sewell C. Biggs; 1996.42.1

Furniture excavated from archeological sites in Greece influenced the form of this "klysmos" chair. The painted surfaces of ancient Grecian vases also show this chair form. Though these examples are probably from Philadelphia, furniture makers in cities across the United States were making this popular chair style.