Today in the Museum

Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by David Harris
	Chairs ca. 1765 Mahogany and needlepoint upholstery H: 96 cm; W: 60 cm; D: 50 cm Gift of David Berg, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, In memory of his mother Ida Berg Accession number: B82.0740
A pair of George III mahogany side chairs covered with contemporary French needlework. These chairs epitomise the excellent functional furniture produced by the English cabinetmaker in the 18th century. Although the decorative detail of the carving of the backs indicates that they were made when the rococo influence was paramount in the design of pieces of a more showy character, their comfortable upholstered seats and straight sturdy legs reinforced by stretchers indicate that these chairs were made for use, and not just to please the eye. The "gros and petit point" needlework covers are not original to the chairs. They were made in France in about 1740 and are very rare. They are decorated with colorful summer flowers. Publications: The Eighteenth Century English Dining Room, Israel Museum, Jerusalem Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir