Knopstoel c. 1662 - 1666

This miniature chair, or 'Knopstoel,' was crafted by Michiel Maenbeeck in the 17th century from silver. The choice of material is striking. Typically, these chairs would have been made from humble materials: wood for the frame, and rush for the woven seat. By contrast, the precious metal elevates the form, transforming it from a functional object into a status symbol. Look closely and you'll see that Maenbeeck has carefully replicated the textures and details of an ordinary chair, on a tiny scale. The silver mimics the look of carved wood, and the woven pattern of the seat. This level of detail suggests a skilled silversmith who understood the inherent qualities of the base material. Ultimately, this chair serves as a commentary on luxury and craft, blurring the boundaries between everyday life and high art. It prompts us to consider the amount of labor involved in both the making of furniture and the crafting of silver objects, asking us to rethink our notions of value.