Drie stoelen after 1878

This print showcases three chair designs, rendered with ink and watercolor, by an anonymous artist. What might seem like simple illustrations are, in fact, glimpses into the world of furniture production and consumer culture. The chairs themselves are depicted with attention to detail. The designs use slender rods ornamented with decorative bosses. Consider the labor that would have been involved in crafting these chairs. Each element, from the shaping of the wood to the delicate embellishments, would have required skilled hands. These chairs reflect a culture of aspiration and novelty, where even everyday objects are subject to the whims of fashion. The artist here isn't presenting chairs as mere functional items, but as desirable commodities. So, as you look at this print, remember that it’s not just about the chairs themselves, but about the broader social and economic forces that shaped their creation and consumption.