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  UNUSUAL, SMALL SCALE, PLANK- SEATED, PENNSYLVANIA DECORATED SETTEE WITH A BLACK GROUND AND LYRE (a.k.a. BOOTJACK) BACK SLATS, ca 1870-1890
Dimensions (inches): 33" tall x 56" long x 21.5" deep overall, 17.5" seat height, 19.5" seat depth
Description:
Paint-decorated, Pennsylvania, plank-seated settee with a lyre or bootjack back and an angle wing crest rail. Made ca 1870-1890, the form is unusually diminutive and in this regard, in addition to its black ground, is less indicative of Pennsylvania German examples than their New England counterparts. Most of the former are six to six-and-a-half feet in length and significantly deeper from the front edge of the seat to the rear.

Shaped like a lyre or a bootjack, the back slats are less common than other expected styles in rural Pennsylvania chairs and settees. Shapely in form, with graceful scrollwork, their bold design lends a nice folk quality as well as a good palette for tasteful decoration. On this particular bench, the imagery consists of gilt-stenciled grapes, with accompany flora, in a combination of coppery bronze and muted silver. Divided into three registers, the paintings on the back slats, vertically-oriented, are mimicked on the crest rails in a complementary, horizontal fashion. The reverse-sweetheart shaped wings are heavily draped in painted embellishment with the metallic copper and red. Apple green and chrome yellow striping, borders, and shadowing are present throughout, not only on the panels, but on the arms and spindles. The bulbous portion of the baluster turnings are metallic copper throughout.

One particularly interesting design feature can be found in the off-set position of the stretchers. Higher on the left and right registers and lower in the center, this results in a surprisingly artistic feature. This is just one more way in which the design is superior to what is typically encountered.

Condition: Some expected wear. Excellent, original surface.
   
Primary Color: black, copper
Earliest Date: 1870
Latest Date: 1890
For Sale Status: Available
Price $6,500
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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