Arm Chair c. 1940

Florence Choate rendered this watercolor of an armchair with meticulous detail, inviting us to consider the object's place in our lives. The chair, a humble yet potent symbol, speaks volumes about domesticity and status. The presence of finials adorning the top of the chair's vertical supports, are reminiscent of ancient columns which are markers of civilization. These small decorative elements are laden with historical weight. Think of classical architecture and its echoes through Renaissance furniture, even in this simple form, one can sense that lineage. Consider how the act of sitting, of taking repose, is fraught with meaning. Thrones signify power, while a simple stool implies humility. This chair, somewhere in between, represents a middle ground – a personal domain, a space for contemplation. It is where stories are told, and decisions are made. The chair is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a stage for the theatre of everyday life. As we gaze upon it, we are reminded of the countless lives it has silently supported, bearing witness to human dramas both big and small.