Armchair of Jacoba of Bavaria by Anonymous

Armchair of Jacoba of Bavaria c. 1560 - 1570

toned paper

pottery

3d printed part

sculpture

sculptural image

stoneware

ceramic

charcoal

neutral shade

watercolor

This imposing armchair, crafted from oak and dating to the 16th century, belonged to Jacoba of Bavaria, an influential figure in the Dutch Golden Age. The chair's tall, rectangular back features a carved crest and is supported by intricately designed, fluted columns. The seat itself is supported by a sturdy, rectangular frame adorned with a decorative border. Now housed at the Rijksmuseum, this chair stands as a testament to the artistry and grandeur of the era, offering a glimpse into the life and status of a powerful woman.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Jacoba of Bavaria (1401-1436) was countess of Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut. However, powerful relatives in other territories challenged her position and tried to undermine her authority. In later centuries many people in the Republic identified with her because of her resistance to these foreign powers. Various objects associated with Jacoba were cherished and kept as mementos of her struggle. This chair is one of them; in reality, though, it is a 16th-century piece of furniture.