Armchair (chaise à bras, pair with 1975.1.2001)
Unknown Artist
16th century, second half (woodwork), 16th or 17th century (textiles)
Medium
Walnut, turned and carved; dark blue silk cut velvet with embroidery.
Dimensions
H. 102 cm, W. 58 cm, D. 56 cm; seat: 40 x 60 cm. back: 26.5 x 62 cm (including fringe)
Classification
Textiles-Velvets|Woodwork-Furniture
Culture
French, Italian or Spanish
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2000
Art Historical Context
This elegant armchair, known as a *chaise à bras* part of a pair, hails from the second half of the 16 century, with its walnut woodwork exemplifying Renaissance craftsmanship from France, Italy, or Spain. Standing at 102 cm high, it features turned and intricately carved elements that highlight the era's mastery of woodworking techniques. These chairs were status symbols for the elite, designed for both comfort and display in grand interiors like palaces or noble homes, where furniture doubled as a canvas for artistic expression. The seat and back are upholstered in luxurious dark blue silk ...