Chair
Medium
Iron, walnut, cane, and upholstery
Dimensions
115.6 × 71.1 × 72.4 cm (45 1/2 × 28 × 28 1/2 in.)
Classification
seating
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
102774
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Patent furniture reached the height of its popularity in the last quarter of the 19th century. This folding chair was patented in 1876 and touted in advertisements as “the king of all chairs.” It could be adjusted into numerous positions by utilizing the lever on the seat rail and was used variously as a lounge chair, an invalid chair, a smoking chair, or a bed. Most likely exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, this chair was prized for its durable materials and comfort in...