New York circa 1820s, each with figured mahogany veneered tablet over a well carved eagle slat, ash secondary, original slip seats and under upholstery now set with embroidered blue fabric, 32-1/2 x 18-1/4 x 19 in.

These chairs are identical to a pair at Winterthur Museum (1957.0562.02) and are discussed in Charles F. Montgomery, American Furniture, The Federal Period, pg. 128-129. Montgomery notes "Few chairs of any period excel either this one [or No 76] in beauty... each is the ultimate in simplicity. Carved eagles may sometimes seem incongruous when they appear on tables and sofas. Here [and in No 76] they are so composed as to give a sense of strength to a fragile form." Another example is illustrated in Wendy Cooper, Classical Taste in America, pg. 109.

Winterthur (1957.0562.002): http://museumcollection.winterthur.org/single-record.php?resultsperpage=60&view=catalog&srchtype=advanced&hasImage=&ObjObjectName=&CreOrigin=&Earliest=&Latest=&CreCreatorLocal_tab=&materialsearch=&ObjObjectID=&ObjCategory=&DesMaterial_tab=&DesTechnique_tab=&AccCreditLineLocal=&CreMarkSignature=&recid=1957.0562.002&srchfld=&srchtxt=eagle+chair&id=bed7&rownum=1&version=100&src=results-imagelink-only#.YxOeHS-B1KM

Background on Important Private Collection from Boston:
I have been working with this collector for over 25 years, both in the initial acquisition of the objects and overseeing their conservation as needed. With a keen eye for quality and design, and a deep passion for all things classical, he has quietly amassed a top-notch collection of American furniture and decorative arts. The collection encompasses outstanding examples from the leading cabinetmakers of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, representing excellence in form and proportions, condition, wood quality, and carving. It also includes rare objects that are among the best of their kind. Now, with the downsizing of one of his properties, the offerings in this catalog are coming to market to find new owners who share a love for this remarkable period in American furniture history.
Clark Pearce,
Advisor and Consultant to Collectors and Institutions

Provenance: by descent from Jacob Ten Eyck (1785 to 1853, Cazenovia, New York); Clark Pearce; Property from an Important Boston Collection

break and repair at one ear, some slight color variation, one fabric seat support loose, modern upholstery good overall with light wear and fading