Maryland is only a small state but it’s had a key role in American history and continues to do so. The Maryland Historical Society reflects this in being by any standards incredibly well-stocked with beautiful, wonderful things, including a stunning collection of furniture.
Much of this was made locally, or has local connections: in particular the painted chairs, and the painting of scenes on them, are a specialty of the Baltimore furniture trade.
You can wonder whether the people who made it were well-paid for it, and whether the people who bought it had any right to their immense wealth – but you can’t doubt that it’s good stuff. It makes a great morning out, even though you can’t sit on any of it.
