Design for Three Chairs with Slanted Backs, Green, Yellow and Blue Upholstery 1800 - 1850

This design for three chairs with slanted backs was rendered with watercolor on paper by an anonymous artist. The real artistry here is in the chairs' design, and how they were meant to be constructed, drawing on the skilled traditions of furniture making and upholstery. The choice of materials, like wood and fabric, speaks to the inherent qualities of furniture: its weight, texture, and form dictated by function. Though seemingly simple, the chairs also address wider social issues of labor and consumption. The amount of work involved in the production process, from sourcing materials to skilled craftsmanship, reflects the value placed on design and comfort in a specific social context. Ultimately, understanding these chairs requires acknowledging the significance of materials, making, and social context, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.