17th Century Furniture (part 29 of 31)

Chairs
During the 17th century, chairs, handmade furniture, as opposed to stools and benches, were only found in the homes of the wealthy. The chair evolved from the simple joint stool.
Changing fashions, the import of exotic examples, and the introduction of new materials and techniques, meant that this was a crucial time in the chair's development.
There were two major types of chair - the low chair with a rectangular back, and the high-backed chair. The low chair or 'back stool' is often referred to as a Cromwellian chair, a Jacobean, or a Farthingale chair.
The introduction of smaller, private rooms to the 17th century home meant that chairs, and other forms of non fitted furniture, were used in more different ways. High-backed chairs, particularly those with caned seats and backs, were often used in halls and along the walls. By the end of the century, several variations of the high-back were being made.
The most elaborate high-backed chairs were designed by Daniel Marot for the French court. These chairs were made in suites, and were used in the bedchamber.
Upholstered chairs were signs of great wealth and status, as the materials used to cover the seats and backs were incredibly expensive.
In Spain and Portugal stamped-leather upholstery was popular. Cane seats were fashionable by the end of the century.

Carved Armchairs
This type of chair, made of solid ebony, was imported by the Dutch East India Company from India, Ceylon, and the East Indies.
Carved on all surfaces, it has turned legs, terminating in small bun feet. This chair inspired Horace Walpole's furniture for his London house in the 18th century.

An early joined oak back stool or Farthingale chair.
This term is derived from the farthingale hoops worn by Elizabethan ladies to create their voluminous skirts.
These chairs were of a design to more easily accomodate this fashion.
The block & ball turned front legs united by a barley twist stretcher.
An ideal accompaniment to a bureau with it's slightly higher seat level typical of chairs prior to 1650.

English Walnut Side Chair

A walnut chair, English, late 17th century and later the carved back with elongated cane insert over an upholstered seat on carved barley twist legs