Side Chair c. 1851 - 1855

This "Side Chair", created by Michael Thonet between 1851 and 1855, is a prime example of the Viennese Biedermeier style. The chair's elegant, curved lines and woven cane seat exemplify the simplicity and functionality that characterize this style. The chair was originally designed for mass production, a revolutionary concept in furniture design, and has become an iconic design of the 19th century. This chair, currently held by the Art Institute of Chicago, is crafted from bentwood, a technique that Thonet pioneered. The bentwood process allowed for the creation of intricate, organic forms, making the chair both strong and visually appealing.