Side Chair 1800 - 1810

This side chair was made by Hugh Finlay in the early 19th century. Notice the painted motifs: stylized floral patterns and arrow-like shapes are repeated throughout the chair. These decorative elements tap into a rich history of symbolic representation. The floral motif, present on the chair's seat and frame, often signifies beauty, growth, and renewal. Such symbols are not bound by time; we see similar floral representations in ancient Roman frescoes and Renaissance tapestries, each echoing humanity's enduring fascination with nature's beauty. The arrow-like shapes in the chair's backrest bring to mind the ancient symbolism of direction, force, and even sacrifice. Like Cupid's arrow, these motifs may subconsciously evoke feelings of desire or aspiration. Consider how these symbols, though simple, engage our collective memory. The chair, through its motifs, becomes more than mere furniture; it’s a vessel carrying cultural and emotional echoes across generations.