Armchair, Model No. MR20 c. 1927 - 1938

Editor: Here we have Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's "Armchair, Model No. MR20," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by its stark simplicity. What visual language do you see at play here? Curator: The cantilevered design speaks of modernity's embrace of lightness and efficiency, evoking a sense of floating. The chrome frame, contrasted with wood and leather, recalls industrial progress, reflecting a desire to strip away ornamentation in favor of pure form. Editor: So, it's reflecting the times, moving towards functionality? Curator: Precisely. Van der Rohe presents us with more than just a seat; he gives us a symbol of a new era. Editor: I see that now, the materials are the message. Curator: Indeed, the "less is more" philosophy made manifest.