Object Image

Spindle-back chair

Unknown Artist

Judging by the number of surviving examples, turned spindle-back chairs were the most prevalent type of seating in the American colonies until the late seventeenth century. The turnings of this chair—distinguished by the large finials—reflect a style typical of furniture made around Boston and Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Credit: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909

1680-1720
Soft maple, maple, ash
95.3 x 50.2cm
10.125.694
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection