Upholstered armchair, originally from a set of eight, from Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutland (one of a pair)

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of late 17th-century British aristocracy with this exquisite upholstered armchair, crafted around 1689 by Thomas Roberts. Originally part of a grand set of eight from Burley-on-the-Hill, a stately manor in Rutland, England, this piece—surviving as one of a matching pair—evokes the lavish interiors of the post-Restoration era. Burley-on-the-Hill, rebuilt during this time, was home to the Finch family, reflecting the era's blend of opulence and political upheaval following the Glorious Revolution. Masterfully made from ebonized beechwood—a technique staining light wood to mimic rare ebony for a sleek, dramatic finish—the chair boasts its original Genoese velvet upholstery, adorned with floral motifs. This Italian velvet from Genoa was a luxury import, symbolizing wealth and Continental sophistication in English homes. At 48 × 28 × 32 inches, its generous proportions and cushioned comfort highlight the shift toward ergonomic, upholstered furniture in the William and Mary style, prioritizing elegance and usability. Today, housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, this armchair offers a tangible link to Britain's decorative arts golden age, where furniture became a canvas for status and artistry. A rare survivor with intact original covers, it whispers of candlelit banquets and whispered intrigues.