A Design for a Chair Back from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.
Drawing
ca.1765-1770 (made)
ca.1765-1770 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This design for a chair back by John Linnell ca.1765-1770, demonstrates the growing popularity of the neoclassical style during the second half of the 18th century. Based on the art and design of Classical Greece and Rome, neoclassicism was also informed by the ancient ruins that were being discovered at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lyre-shaped splat and the formal, fluted side rails are typical features of neoclassical design. The foliage entwined around the otherwise formal structure displays the fashion for incorporating naturalistic motifs. The symmetrical arrangement of this natural ornament displays Linnell’s transition from the flamboyant rococo style that dominated his earlier furniture designs. The rococo was popular in England around 1730 and identified by features such as elaborate S and C shaped curves and asymmetry.
Linnell’s priority in this design is the chair back, emphasised by its appearance as a presentation piece. The yellow watercolour that he has used suggests that this chair back would have been gilded. Linnell supplied lyre-back chairs of a different design for the library at Osterley Park, the country house of Robert Child, a wealthy banker. This house was redecorated in the neoclassical style by Robert Adam who was also supplying designs for lyre-back chairs. As well as within the library, chairs of this design could also have been placed within the picture gallery of a grand country or town house, for example, positioned in a formal arrangement against the wall.
Linnell’s priority in this design is the chair back, emphasised by its appearance as a presentation piece. The yellow watercolour that he has used suggests that this chair back would have been gilded. Linnell supplied lyre-back chairs of a different design for the library at Osterley Park, the country house of Robert Child, a wealthy banker. This house was redecorated in the neoclassical style by Robert Adam who was also supplying designs for lyre-back chairs. As well as within the library, chairs of this design could also have been placed within the picture gallery of a grand country or town house, for example, positioned in a formal arrangement against the wall.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | A Design for a Chair Back from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (series title) |
Materials and techniques | pencil, pen and ink and watercolour |
Brief description | Design for a chair back in pencil, pen, ink and yellow watercolour, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, ca.1765-1770 |
Physical description | A design for a chair back in the neoclassical style. The central panel of the chair adopts the form of a lyre surmounted by a portrait medallion, festoons and a wreath. The side rails of the chair back are fluted and straight in form with symmetrical foliage entwined around them. The design is executed in pencil and ink with a yellow wash. One of a set of designs for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Historical context | Used to form part of a chair without armrests which would probably have been made in a pair or set and positioned in a formal arrangement within the interior and used in rooms such as the library. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This design for a chair back by John Linnell ca.1765-1770, demonstrates the growing popularity of the neoclassical style during the second half of the 18th century. Based on the art and design of Classical Greece and Rome, neoclassicism was also informed by the ancient ruins that were being discovered at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lyre-shaped splat and the formal, fluted side rails are typical features of neoclassical design. The foliage entwined around the otherwise formal structure displays the fashion for incorporating naturalistic motifs. The symmetrical arrangement of this natural ornament displays Linnell’s transition from the flamboyant rococo style that dominated his earlier furniture designs. The rococo was popular in England around 1730 and identified by features such as elaborate S and C shaped curves and asymmetry. Linnell’s priority in this design is the chair back, emphasised by its appearance as a presentation piece. The yellow watercolour that he has used suggests that this chair back would have been gilded. Linnell supplied lyre-back chairs of a different design for the library at Osterley Park, the country house of Robert Child, a wealthy banker. This house was redecorated in the neoclassical style by Robert Adam who was also supplying designs for lyre-back chairs. As well as within the library, chairs of this design could also have been placed within the picture gallery of a grand country or town house, for example, positioned in a formal arrangement against the wall. |
Associated object | |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | E.63-1929 |
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Record created | June 30, 2009 |
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