McKinley Armchair 1894 - 1896

David Wolcott Kendall made this "McKinley Armchair" out of wood and cane. Look at its geometric structure: the grid of the cane seat and back, the strong vertical posts, and the horizontal planes of the armrests. The chair presents itself with a robust symmetry, softened slightly by the curve of the backrest. Kendall's design draws upon historical forms, yet simplifies them into more abstract shapes. The chair flattens traditional notions of hierarchy. Its form allows us to consider how design mediates between utility and representation. The chair is more than mere furniture; it embodies a play between functionalism and early modernist aesthetics, reflecting a shift toward simplicity and structural clarity. The cane work and the dark wood create a dialogue between texture and line. This is not merely a seat, but an exploration of form, space, and the evolving language of design.