Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Chair, Great |
Date |
1857 |
Catalog Number |
49.74.1 |
Description |
Heavy, dark Victorian wood chair, with rose upholstery and gothic elements. Legs are turned cup-and-cover with elaborately carved details. Arms are open and scrolled at the front, with padded tops. Back is padded with carved details all around and floral crest. Upholstery is rose damask with a pattern of flowers and acanthus. |
Dimensions |
H-30 W-28 D-30 inches |
Collection |
Colfax Collection |
Provenance |
One of 262 hand-carved oak chairs made for the House chamber’s grand opening in 1857, this chair was specifically made for the Speaker and features motifs reminiscent of the Capital building’s architecture with a shield of stars and stripes at the crest. The shield has oak branches for longevity and optimism on one side, and laurel on the other, symbolizing achievement. When Colfax left office, employees of the Capital building purchased this chair as a gift, and it sat in his home office for many years. This chair has been reupholstered; the originals featured red goat skin upholstery. |
Credit line |
Gift of Mrs. Howard Townson |
People |
Colfax, Schuyler |