Facts About Queen Anne Chairs

Queen Anne reigned in England from 1704 to 1714. During the previous century, design was dominated by heavy and ornate styles, popularized by Louis V of France. Queen Anne furniture was based on Dutch styling and added some elegant and refined styling features. It was the first of many design styles of the "Golden Age" of the 18th century.

Wood

Queen Anne chairs were often made of walnut or walnut veneer, instead of the solid oak popular in the preceding century. Other popular woods used were maple and mahogany.

Cabriole Leg

The most defining characteristic of the Queen Anne chair is the cabriole leg. The shape is of two curves: one larger and longer convex at the top, and another smaller and shorter concave at the bottom, ending in claw-and-ball or paw feet. The form is said to be inspired by the legs of some four-footed animals.

Chair Back

The Queen Anne chair back is called a "splat," a carved wood panel that is shaped to fit the curve of the back and cut from a yoke-shape back rail. It was usually carved into vase shapes and sometimes decorated with marquetry (inlaid wood).

Scale

Queen Anne chairs were of a smaller size than preceding styles, and of a lower profile, making them more comfortable. The slim, curved legs were built to support weight without looking bulky.

Decoration

Carvings on Queen Anne chairs were more delicate and restrained than in the previous Baroque and Rococo styles. Motifs of shells were popular designs. The seat of the chair is horseshoe shaped and upholstered.

References

• Judith Miller, "Furniture," 2005 (book)
• Encyclopedia Brittanica Online
• Buffalo Architecture as a Museum: Furniture Section