Armchair (chaise à bras, pair with 1975.1.2001)

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 cut velvet, embroidered for added opulence, likely dating to the 16th or 17th century. Velvet production was a pinnacle of textile artistry in Renaissance Europe, involving complex weaving and cutting to create depth and sheen, often reserved for nobility. The fringe detailing on the back (26.5 x 62 cm) adds a tactile flourish, blending functionality with decadence. Acquired for the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1975, this piece offers a tangible link to the opulent world of early modern Europe, inviting visitors to imagine lounging amid the courts of kings and collectors.