CMC D-5749

Canada is a nation whose constitution is founded in part on the principle of responsible government. In the 1837-1838 Rebellion in Lower Canada, Louis-Joseph Papineau led the fight for reform, calling for the recognition of that principle. A brass plaque on this artifact reads, "Chair used by Louis-Joseph Papineau as President of the Legislative Assembly / Fauteuil de Louis-Joseph Papineau, Président de L'Assemblée Législative."

This State chair has a hand-carved back with a low relief of a beaver over a crest-shaped frame in which are carved a sheaf of wheat and fruit, surrounded by branches of leaves. Acanthus leaves are carved outside the crest.