Armchair 1853

This Armchair was crafted by Julius Dessoir sometime between the 19th century. The carved figures adorning its arms immediately capture our gaze. These figures are deeply rooted in the ancient world, echoing the caryatids and herms of classical architecture. They serve as more than mere decoration. Such figures historically acted as guardians, symbols of strength, and embodiments of ancestral spirits, protecting and lending authority to the sitter. Consider how similar motifs appear in Renaissance palaces and Baroque cathedrals. The faces adorning the arms of the chair reflect a cultural memory of power, dignity and status. The chair’s ornamentation also speaks to the human need for connection with our past. These elements offer an engaging, if subconscious, link to historical ideals of strength, protection, and legacy, reminding us that even in repose, we are part of a continuum that transcends time.