18th century original?

As mentioned before, we discovered thirteen similarities between the blog chair and the chair from the Chippendale plate.

Today let’s start to consider the dissimilarities and try to shoot some holes in the theory that it is an 18^th century object.  Let’s start with the cartouche. As mentioned previously, it’s a reference to a popular 18^th century fascination, the grotto.  The open hole at its center is simply the entrance to the grotto. Examine the hole of the blog chair and that of the Chippendale plate.  Notice that the hole on the blog chair is completely symmetric, but that Chippendale’s is slightly askew, or asymmetric. Recall the design requirements of Rococo that were mentioned at the beginning of this blog; 

curvilinear, foliate and asymmetric.

 Images: Top photo SHS. Bottom detail from plate 15, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, third edition.

Not to worry.  The artisan who executed the blog chair had license to add an asymmetric twist wherever he chose. Perhaps we will find it elsewhere; perhaps in the knot of the ribbon. Ah there it is! The carved gouges representing the ribbon’s knot are asymmetrically balanced. 

                                                        Photo SHS.

And look as well at the tassel on the bottom of the rope. The tassel’s center thread forms an uneven inverted “U” shape where it is joined to the rope’s end.

                                                         Photo SHS.  

                                       

       So the argument that this chair is an 18^th century original is holding on!

Let's stay balanced!

Theresa

Yummy Furniture and Design

theresamhs@sbcglobal.net

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