Easy chair
about 1700–25
Object PlaceBoston, New England
Medium/TechniqueCherry, modern upholstery
DimensionsOverall: 125.7 x 73.7 x 81.3 cm (49 1/2 x 29 x 32 in.)
Credit LineGift of Robert L. Parker and Margaret S. Parker in memory of Winnifred Franklin Jones
Accession number1976.727
On View
On viewClassificationsFurniture
Collections
The easy chair-a large, upholstered chair with protective wings-was a new form in the Baroque era. Evolving from invalid chairs and aristocratic lounging chairs with hinged backs and footrests, it typically was used in the bedchamber. Given the amount of imported textiles needed to upholster easy chairs, they were far too expensive for the average colonist.
ProvenanceOriginally belonged to Samuel Franklin (1721-1775) of Boston, Massachusetts (cousin of Benjamin Franklin); descended in the family to Winnifred Franklin Jones (1888-1973) of Bucksport, Maine; about 1975, bequested by Jones to her cousin Robert Lombard Parker and his wife Margaret S. Parker of North Reading, Massachusetts); 1976, given by Robert L. Parker and Margaret S. Parker to the MFA (Acquisition date:October 13, 1976)
about 1820
about 1820
about 1820
1880–1905
about 1760
1812–17
1812–17
1812–17
1812–17
about 1790
about 1790
about 1870