American Furniture Queen Anne Style, 1730-1790

Queen Anne style furniture was popular in America during a large portion of the 18th century. A combination of baroque, classical and Asian styles, Queen Anne furniture was not ornamental, compared to some of the popular European furniture of the time, and favored curved and proportional lines.

Popularized in colonial Boston, Queen Anne furniture is remarkable for its chinoiserie scenes painted on imported black walnut wood from overseas, and intricate chair backs, which molded to one’s spine. These new S-curved chair backs became a fixture in colonial and post-Revolutionary American furniture, as well as a popular export in intercostal trade. S-curved chair backs are a style still popular at dining tables in modern America.
As for the chinoiserie, the Japanese scenes were painted on tables, secretaries, and dressers in black paint, creating a subtle illustration juxtaposed against the dark wood of the furniture.

Working Title/Artist: Side chair Department: Am. Decorative Arts Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: 1740–60 photography by mma, Digital File DP222430.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 2_23_10

Working Title/Artist: High Chest of Drawers Department: Am. Decorative Arts Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: photography by mma, Digital File DP110113.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 12_9_09

The furniture was created by skilled craftsmen who came to the colonies during a time of prosperity before the Revolution. The product was a unique, subtle, and a chiefly American style of furniture that was used to furnish iconic places like the White House and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Governor’s Council Chamber of Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA.

Following the popularity of Queen Anne furniture, the Chippendale style soon became the next most fashionable type of furniture in America during the late 18th century, but the two styles of furniture are very similar and are identified with each other as the basis for American pre-revolutionary and post-colonial style.

 

Information via: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chip/hd_chip.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne_style_furniture

Images via:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne_style_furniture and Google Images