Side Chair 1858

Curator: Before us is a side chair, dating back to 1858, created by Foster & Lee. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My first impression is of restrained elegance. The dark wood contrasts with what looks like a patterned seat cushion. The chair’s overall impression suggests formality, maybe even a hint of solemnity? Curator: Its creation fits neatly into the Victorian era’s obsession with elaborate ornamentation and revivalist styles. While it may seem quite simple now, we must remember the 19th-century interest in Medieval forms. Editor: The wood is so tactile! Look at the detailed carving. The geometric and floral shapes are meticulously rendered. The choice of materials obviously drives its design and I bet those decorative details required considerable labor to produce. Curator: Precisely! The craftsmanship speaks volumes about the era’s aspirations of social status via consumer goods and the Industrial Revolution's advancements, although I agree with you about the handmade decorative elements. What’s interesting, also, is considering where such a chair would be placed in a home of the era—perhaps in a parlor. Editor: Think about the experience of sitting in this chair. What kind of fabrics would one have worn when using this piece? And who would have even had access to such craftsmanship and artistry? These are not chairs for everyday life, are they? Curator: That's the point. Consider how museums contextualize pieces like this. We want visitors to consider not just the design, but the politics surrounding such pieces. We explore not only aesthetic qualities but how these objects shaped our cultures. Editor: Absolutely. Seeing a chair like this makes you ponder questions of access, production and value and the social conditions of craftspeople in 1858! The chair is nice, but what’s more interesting is learning what went into producing and distributing the artwork. Curator: Very insightful! Editor: Thanks! It’s just remarkable to see what can come from simply noticing materials!