PHILADELPHIA, 1780-1800

With its pierced-slat back with carved anthemions, this side chair is a type that is frequently attributed to Daniel Trotter (1747-1800) as a closely related set of six are documented in a 1786 bill of sale from Trotter to Stephen Girard (fig. 1). However, variations in design and execution indicate that such chairs were most likely made by a number of Philadelphia chairmakers. The Nusrala Collection example differs from the Trotter-documented set in its lack of stop-fluted legs and Marlborough legs with "bases" (spade feet) and its more elaborate details with carved ears that are flush with the lower edge of the uppermost slat, anthemions with rosettes and inward-facing scrolls and molded legs. Described as "Best" by Albert Sack, a side chair with these details was illustrated in Albert Sack, The Fine Points of Furniture (New York, 1950), p. 48, bottom. For other chairs with closely related carved ornament, see Milo M. Naeve, "Daniel Trotter and his ladder-back chairs," The Magazine Antiques (November 1959), p. 445, figs. 6-8; Christie's New York, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Bertram D. Coleman, January 16, 1998, lot 261).