Settee 1850 - 1900

This decorative settee was made of cast iron, likely sometime in the 19th century. The material is critical here. Cast iron allowed for intricate, repeating patterns to be produced inexpensively. This opened up possibilities for mass production, bringing ornate designs to a broader market. The swirling floral details and lattice-like seat weren't carved by hand. They were achieved by pouring molten iron into molds. Notice how the weight of the iron lends a sense of permanence, yet the openwork design keeps it visually light. Cast iron production was closely linked to industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of a consumer culture. Once, only the wealthy could afford such elaborate furnishings. But thanks to new technologies, a semblance of luxury became accessible to the middle class. Thinking about this object, it reminds us that beauty is often shaped by the forces of labor, industry, and social aspiration.