Suite of furniture 1917 - 1918

This suite of furniture was created by Michel de Klerk, who was born in the late 19th century. The piece is made out of dark wood, its surface has a polished sheen. I can imagine De Klerk in his studio, carefully selecting the wood, feeling the weight and grain of the material in his hands. I see him planing the surface, smoothing out the rough edges, and gradually revealing the hidden beauty within. He is a sculptor, subtracting unnecessary material to reveal the forms already held within. What was he thinking as he carved those ornate details? The legs of the furniture are so interesting! I love the curves and the way they seem to defy gravity, as if the furniture is floating. I think this must have been a very physical process for him, really leaning into the material. De Klerk isn't just making furniture, he is making an idea of furniture. Each artist’s decisions build upon the last, an ongoing conversation about the possibilities of art.