Made by Joshua Holden
Boston, Massachusetts, 1810–1820
Soft maple, cane
On loan from Martin Wunsch

Chair-makers partnered with specialized "Fancy Painters" and Ornamental Painters" to decorate chairs such as the one shown here. The klismos shape is as accented by gilt edges and stylized classical columns on the back. Professional painters freely combined Egyptian, Greek, and Roman decorative details with contemporary motifs.