Armchair 1870 - 1881

This armchair was crafted by the Pottier and Stymus Manufacturing Company. The chair is a study in contrasts, its rectilinear wooden frame softened by the plush fabrics and ornate carvings. The teal velvet panels provide a stark contrast against the light brown hue of the chair’s wooden frame, drawing the eye to the sumptuousness of the seat and backrest. The intricate carvings on the frame offer a tactile experience, inviting touch and exploration of the detailed craftsmanship. The geometric rigidity of the chair's structure finds a counterpoint in the curvilinear designs of the upholstery and the naturalistic motifs carved into the wood. This interplay of form and function challenges our understanding of furniture as merely utilitarian, suggesting instead a convergence of art, design and social status. The chair becomes a symbol of bourgeois aspirations during a time of rapid industrial expansion. Consider how this piece blurs the boundaries between design and status.