A FINE AND RARE WILLIAM AND MARY JOINED AND TURNED MAPLE AND OAK 'LEATHER-BACK' SIDE CHAIR, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1705 |

John S. Walton, Griswold, Connecticut, April 1979;
Vogel Collection no. 314.

Overall fine condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. The proper left back support was previously cracked and reglued at the baluster turning, with associated patches. Width: 18 1/4 in,; Depth: 15 1/4 in.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This chair represents the first transition away from the late Renaissance ‘Cromwellian’ chair to the early Baroque style of chairs with taller backs with ornately turned stiles.  This progression in design began at the very end of the seventeenth century and continued until the first decade of the eighteenth century when the turnings became less ornate and chairs began to be ornamented with carving.  The near mate to this chair is in the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum (acc. no. 249:1989). For additional information on this chair and its antecedents see a forthcoming article by Erik K. Gronning, “Luxury of Choice: Boston’s Early Baroque Seating Furniture,” American Furniture 2018, ed. Luke Beckerdite, (Milwaukee, WI: Chipstone Foundation, 2018).