Chair

1869–70
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774
Cabinetmaker Gustave Herter immigrated to America in 1848, joining thousands of Germans fleeing famine, a depressed economy, and political upheaval. Gustave’s younger brother, Christian, arrived in 1859, and the pair formed the esteemed furniture and decorating company, Herter Brothers, in 1864. This chair, which features fluted front legs, carved swans’ heads, and music-themed marquetry plaques, is in the Néo-Grec style – an eclectic combination of Greco-Roman and Egyptian motifs briefly popular immediately following the Civil War.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chair
  • Maker: Herter Brothers (German, active New York, 1864–1906)
  • Date: 1869–70
  • Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Rosewood; marquetry of various woods; gilding composition material
  • Dimensions: 35 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 19 7/8 in. (90.8 x 41.9 x 50.5 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Verna Orndorff Charitable Lead Trust, 1994
  • Object Number: 1994.441
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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