Italian, Lombardo-Veneto
Straight Chair, 17th century
Walnut, 112 x 42.4 x 35 cm (44 1/8 x 16 11/16 x 13 3/4 in.)
This narrow, tall, chair is made of walnut. It has a curving, carved back with carved scroll designs on top of either side. The back has a faintly visible inlaid square upper center within which is an inlaid wood chalice. The last third of the back before the seat is open. The seat is smooth and curves slightly inward. The legs are thick and tall. Between the front legs are two rectangular pieces of wood framed by raised edges. The top piece, under the seat and adjoined to it, has coiled curving designs surrounding a blank rectangular center. The second piece, a few inches from the bottom, is similar in design.
Tapestry Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.