CHARLES ROHLFS | Rocking Chair from Camp Ziegler, Loon Lake, New York

en suite with the following lot

Commissioned directly from the artist by William Ziegler, Loon Lake, New York, 1907

"An Adirondack Camp," The International Studio, July 1909, p. xxv (for the present lot illustrated)
Tod M. Volpe and Beth Cathers, Treasures of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, 1890-1920, London, 1988, p. 48 (for a related example of the model)
Janet Kardon, ed., The Ideal Home: The History of Twentieth-Century American Craft, 1900-1920, exh. cat., American Craft Museum, New York, 1993, p. 224 (for a related example of the model)
Michael L. James, Drama in Design: The Life and Craft of Charles Rohlfs, exh. cat., Burchfield Art Center/Buffalo State College Foundation, Buffalo, NY, 1994, p. 91 (for a period photograph of a related example of the model)
Karen Livingston and Linda Parry, eds., International Arts and Crafts, exh. cat., Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2005, p. 148 (for a related example of the model)
Joseph Cunningham, The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, New Haven, CT, 2008, pp. 126 (for a related example of the model in the collection of American Decorative Art 1900 Foundation), 196-198 (for a discussion of the commission and a period photograph from the 1909 The International Studio article showing the present lot), 224 and 226 (for period photographs of a related example of the model in situ at Rohlfs' home in the collection of the Winterthur Library) and 246 (for the Rohlfs advertising card of the model)

Overall very good condition. This chair was specially commissioned for Camp Ziegler, Loon Lake, New York, and is offered en suite with lot 119. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original rich dark finish, which presents with some occasional extremely minor surface scratches, abrasions, and edge wear with some small associated losses, most prevalent to the back edges of the rails, consistent with age and gentle use. Most of the losses have been sensitvely colored to present harmoniously with the rest of the finish. The proper left rail with a small restoration to the top corner on the outer edge measuring approximately 1/4 x 3/4 inch, only visible upon close inspection. The finish at the front corners of the armrests, along the front edge of the seat, and on the center of the backrest has lightened very slightly due to age and use. The seat has been upholstered in period leather which is in very good condition with expected wear. The brass tacks are in good condition; approximately half of the brass tacks have been replaced. A highly dynamic work with beautiful carved decoration and historic provenance.
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.

The present pair of chairs was commissioned by William Ziegler for his twenty-nine-acre camp in the Adirondacks around 1904.  Ziegler made his fortune in baking soda and was known for his adventurous spirit, financing expeditions to the North Pole. Rohlfs created furniture for Camp Ziegler that was rustic and simple.  He adapted many of his earlier forms for this specific interior with references to the surrounding Adirondack landscape, including the tamarack tree indigenous to the area which is represented in the dynamic carved side panels of these chairs.  The living room of Camp Ziegler was documented in a 1909 International Studio article "An Adirondack Camp" with the present chairs visible at the far right.