Chair
c. 1820-40
Medium
Hardwood, bamboo, caning
Dimensions
92.1 × 58.5 × 66.1 cm (36 1/4 × 23 × 26 in.)
Classification
furniture
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
264796
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The form of this chair is influenced by the neoclassical Empire style that prevailed in Europe and the United States at the beginning of the nineteenth century. However, it also displays a distinct aesthetic associated with Europe's tropical colonies. Its low height and slanted back were designed for easy leg elevation, necessary to reduce the swelling that was a common ailment caused by the heat. The caning on the seat and back, original to the chair, facilitated airflow and was resistant to tr...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...