Attributed to Edward W. Vaill (1861–1891). Rocking Chair, ca. 1880. Wood, original woven upholstery, and metal, 39 3/4 x 23 7/8 x 30 1/2 in. (101 x 60.6 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2002.107.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.107.3_PS6.jpg)
Attributed to Edward W. Vaill (1861–1891). Rocking Chair, ca. 1880. Wood, original woven upholstery, and metal, 39 3/4 x 23 7/8 x 30 1/2 in. (101 x 60.6 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2002.107.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.107.3_bw.jpg)
Rocking Chair
Decorative Arts and Design
MEDIUM
Wood, original woven upholstery, and metal
DATES
ca. 1880
DIMENSIONS
39 3/4 x 23 7/8 x 30 1/2 in. (101 x 60.6 x 77.5 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Decorative Arts and Design
ACCESSION NUMBER
2002.107.3
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Folding rocking chair in the Aesthetic style. Slightly concave crest rail with complex symmetrical stepped stylized geometric and floral outline, cut-outs and incised decoration. Inset into crest, shallow carved horizontal band with realistic flowers and leaves. Canted rectangular back with horizontal splat at center, concealed at front by multicolored low pile Wilton carpet depicting Lady Liberty. Textile attached directly to back frame by metal nail heads along perimeter over gimp. Railroaded light brown woven floral fabric tacked to back of frame. Diagonal braces curve from midpoint of back to near front of seat and extend to become front legs, attached to sleigh bases by pivoting metal pins. Narrow small upholstered adjustable armrests, trimmed with gimp and nailheads, fastened to center top of diagonal braces by curved metal brackets with knobs. Seat is comprised of carpet, identical to back, and is fastened to front and back seat rails by nailheads. Side seat rails are scalloped at bottom with concentric circle caps at the attachment points. Back stiles splay backwards below seat and rest on pair of simple sleighs, stabalized by flat metal brackets on inside of each sleigh. Channel detailing, line, stylized leaf, and stylized floral designs incised throughout front and back stiles. Three turned stretchers connect sleighs and front and back legs.
Condition: Frame in good original condition, loss of wood in center of carved crest panel. Rusting metal fasteners and nailheads throughout. Overall discoloration of carpet and gimp, loss of pile in select carpet areas. Sagging seat, loss of gimp on proper left arm.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Attributed to Edward W. Vaill (1861–1891). Rocking Chair, ca. 1880. Wood, original woven upholstery, and metal, 39 3/4 x 23 7/8 x 30 1/2 in. (101 x 60.6 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2002.107.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.107.3_PS6.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 2002.107.3_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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