Side chair (sgabello, pair with 1975.1.2038)

Art Historical Context

This elegant Italian side chair, known as a *sgabello*, exemplifies the enduring appeal of Renaissance-inspired furniture design. Carved from rich walnut, it stands at 101.6 cm high, with narrow seat (34.3 cm wide and 35.6 cm deep) supported by a distinctive X-frame structure typical of sgabelli—lightweight chairs often used in pairs for dining halls, studies, or ecclesiastical settings. Part of the prestigious Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (5.1.2039, paired with 19751.2038), it reflects Italy's masterful woodworking tradition. Dating to possibly the 19th or early 20th century, the chair intriguingly incorporates reused footboards that may hail from the 16th or 17th century, blending old-world craftsmanship with later revival aesthetics. This composite nature highlights how Italian artisans repurposed antique elements during the historicist movements of the 1800s, evoking the grandeur of Renaissance palaces. The intricate carving—likely featuring motifs suited for male patrons, as suggested by its tagging—demonstrates skilled chisel work that accentuates walnut's natural grain, creating depth and shadow play. As a piece of functional art, this sgabello invites visitors to appreciate furniture not just as seating, but as sculpted storytelling from Italy's cultural heritage, preserved for modern contemplation in the Met's galleries.