The Old Furniture Book, with a Sketch of Past Days and WaysMoore, N. Hudson
History
The Old Furniture Book, with a Sketch of Past Days and Ways
Moore, N. Hudson
Furniture
Among other things which were exported from Holland was cane furniture
of a superior quality. It became very much the fashion, and was in
Spanish or Flemish styles, both of which were copied or adapted
by English cabinet-makers. Some of this furniture found its way to
America, and there are pieces to be found showing all three styles,
Flemish, Spanish, and English adaptation. In Figure 8 is shown an
example of the English treatment of the Spanish style, at least as to
foot; while the flat underbrace is English, the curved back and bandy
leg are quite Dutch. The carving on the top is very beautiful, and the
knees of the front legs carved, not with the usual shell, but with
heads, and below these an oval with moulding. This chair is in the
South Kensington Museum, London, and dates from about 1680. The wood
is walnut, and the scrolls and foliage on the back stand out in high
relief; the seat, originally as now, is covered with a rich brocade,
with fine brass nails and a fringe.
The second chair is one of about the same period, of very beautifully
carved oak, and not restored. The arms are missing, but show the places
where they originally were. It has lost its feet, but the exquisite
carving on the underbrace and top is still quite intact and quite
Italian in style. This chair is at the Waring Galleries, London.
A very splendid example of the Flemish treatment of the same style is
shown in Figure 9, the oak woodwork being carved and turned, and the
foot turning out in true Flemish style. The date of the chairs shown in
both Figures 8 and 9 is prior to 1700.
The wealthy people of Charles II.'s time all indulged in these chairs.
Before that period stools had been in general use, and only the master,
mistress, or guest of honour occupied the few chairs possessed in a
household.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account