Balloon-back chair c. 1860 - 1865

This pair of "Balloon-back" chairs, created sometime between 1860 and 1865 by an unknown artist, exemplifies American folk art. The chairs feature a distinct balloon-shaped back splat and are meticulously painted with intricate floral designs in vibrant hues of yellow, orange, green, and red. The gilded detailing on the legs and the delicate brushstrokes add to the overall charm of these chairs, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.