Armchair c. 1815

This anonymous armchair, dating back to c. 1815, is a prime example of the Neoclassical style popular in the early 19th century. The chair's elegant lines, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, are evident in the lyre-shaped back and the slender, tapered legs ending in paw feet. The use of mahogany wood for the chair's construction, along with the simple, yet elegant design, were hallmarks of the Neoclassical aesthetic. This chair, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is a testament to the enduring influence of classical design on furniture and decorative arts.