John Philip Fondé
“Klismos” Chair
1819-1824
Physical Qualities
Ash, pine, gilt, paint, wool upholstery, brass, 31 3/4 x 18 x 22 in. (80.6 x 45.7 x 55.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Purchased in Honor of James Archer Abbott, Curator of Decorative Arts, 1997-2004, by the Friends of the American Wing, and with additional funds contributed by Frederica K. and William Saxon, Jr., Ruth Ann Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bentley Adams, Dr. and Mrs. Aristides C. Alevizatos, Mark B. Letzer, Hugh and Joy McCormick, Charles and Mary Meyer, David A. Mozes, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. O'Rourk, and Bodil Ottesen
Object Number
2003.122
Classical Greek-inspired "klismos" form side chair with 'Egyptian' style front legs, upholstered box-form seat and upholstered tablet back. Chair frame is grained to resemble rosewood with gilt decoration imitating brass band inlay and gilt-bronze mounts, the forms of which include anthemia, lotus leaves, and rosettes. Back and seat retain original upholstery of moreen-patterned finish fabric, secured to seat and back with brass nailheads and knotted silk-thread loop buttons (some of which are missing) - original configuration to have been five on seat; five on back.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 2003; Stuart P. Feld, New York; Mr. James Biddle, "Andalusia," Andalusia, Pennsylvania; Keene Home for Aged Gentlewomen, Bristol, Pennsylvania; Sarah Lukens Keene, Bristol, Pennsylvania; Keen family
