Child's chair c. late 18th century

This child’s chair made of wood and woven straw prompts thoughts about social history. It makes you wonder about the anonymous maker’s skill, and the family for whom they made it. In what region was this chair produced? Was it made in an urban workshop, or a rural setting? What does it mean that its maker is unknown, and how does that speak to the social status of artisans at the time? How was this chair used and what role did it play in the family? Was it a signifier of status, or a simple, practical object? These questions can be explored through period documents, furniture catalogues, or local histories. Considering such factors sheds light on the chair's broader cultural significance, reminding us that art objects are always embedded in their social and institutional contexts.