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Chair, Arm

Object number2012.19.1

Designer Augustus Eliaers (French, active 1849 - 1865)

Datec.1855

MediumWalnut, Metal, Brass, Oilcloth; Wool

Credit LineGift of James D. Moore

DescriptionLibrary Step-Chair. Upolstered arm chair with library-steps. Rococo Revival style. Ornately carved wood framework. The oval back, arm rests, and seat are upolstered with dark green oilcloth. The upolstery is secured with brass tacks. Animal paw feet on all four legs. Carved acanthus leaves at knee and carved scroll on front skirt. Deeply modelled foliate arms. Oval back with opposing 3/4 male profile heads busts at corners of crest; prope right Daniel Webster, proper left Henry Clay. By pressing a lever located at the back of the right leg, the chair inverts on hinged arms to form three steps. In this position the chair rests on the crest rail and bottom riser of steps. Each of the steps is lined with green wool broadcloth.Dimensions39.375 x 24.5 x 37 in. (100 x 62.2 x 94 cm)
InscriptionsConstitution carved on skirt.
Marks"A ELIAERS/PATENT"
Historical NotesThis library step-chair incorporates Augustus Eliaer's 1853 patent for a chair that unfolds to create a set of library steps. This design was popular throughout the nineteenth century in the United States and Europe. The ornaments and "Constitution" theme seem to refer to Daniel Webster's "Seventh of March" (1850) speech, also known as "for the Union and Constitution." Webster argued in favor of Henry Clay's "1850 Compromise" in order to "preserve the Union at all costs." Webster and Clay both died the year before this chair was patented.

Related person Daniel Webster (1782 - 1852)

Related person Henry Clay (1777 - 1852)

Previous owner James Ross Jr.

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