Object Number 1952.0132

Object Name

Chair (Side chair)

Category

Furniture

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Henry Francis du Pont

Creator (Role)

Unknown (Furniture Maker)
This record is to be used when the maker of an object is unknown.

Joseph Li Volsi (Upholsterer)
August 14, 1907-October 22, 1985
Per telephone conversation with Paul Periconi, nephew of Joseph LiVolsi, 08/18/2009: LiVolsi was born on August 14, 1907. His father, Salvatore, and his mother immigrated from Italy. Joseph LiVolsi was a third generation upholsterer. LiVolsi married his wife, Grace on November 18, 1934. In addition to working for Winterthur, Mr. Periconi notes that his uncle did work for the White House refurnishing project and for Mount Vernon, among other museums. LiVolsi worked at home after his retirement until the time of his death. It is very likely that all information, fabric scraps, and tools pertaining to his upholstery business were disposed of after Grace LiVolsi's death in 2007. (SAJ, 08/18/2009) More information about LiVolsi is available on the website: http://www.scovottifamily.com/grace.html

Place of Origin

Providence, Providence, Rhode Island, New England, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Origin is possibly Providence, Rhode Island.

Secondary Place of Origin

Europe

Secondary Origin Notes

Previously attributed to France between 1750-1800, this fabric was made in Europe, possibly between 1750-1850.

Date

1790-1800

Materials

Mahogany; Ash; Maple, soft; Chestnut; Brass; Silk

Techniques

Woven (satin)

Dimensions (inches)

38.626 (H) , 21.125 (W) , 20.5 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

98.11 (H) , 53.657 (W) , 52.07 (D)

Measurement Notes

OW and OD at feet. H (seat) 17.25 in. (43.7 cm); W (crest) 19 in. (48.1 cm); W (seat) 21 in. (53.2 cm); D (seat) 18.625 in. (47.2 cm).

Object Description

Text available soon.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Montgomery, Charles F., et al. 1966 American Furniture: The Federal Period, in the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum.
• Published: no. 45.
[Electronic] Yale University Art Gallery. Rhode Island Furniture Archive. http://rifa.art.yale.edu/index.htm
• RIF720