Attributed to William Buttre (1782-1864), Albany, NY
Date:
1815-1818
Maker:
Attributed to William Buttre (1782-1864), Albany, NY
Dimensions:
34 3/4 H x 18 W x 16 3/4 D
Materials:
Painted ash, beech, tulip poplar, and rush, gilt
Credit:
Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, Kohn Fund
Accession Number:
1992.16
Comments:
As the Erie Canal increased trade, manufacturing, and population in upstate New York, Albany became part of an expanding American market for consumer goods. William Buttre, to whom this chair is attributed, manufactured "fancy chairs" such as this painted model, first in New York City and later in Albany. This chair is a modified form of Buttre's "eagle fancy chair." Early-nineteenth-century American patriotism is reflected in the chair's stylized shield-shaped back supported by two carved feathered legs with talons clutching balls.
