Side chair c. 1870

This side chair was designed by Theophil Hansen, likely sometime in the mid-to-late 19th century. It's crafted from wood and upholstery, materials associated with comfort, domesticity, and status. The chair’s wooden frame shows evidence of several kinds of making. Carving, turning, and bending techniques shape the legs, back, and seat support. Upholstery, stretched tight, adds a layer of luxury, hinting at the chair's intended environment within a well-appointed home. The quality of materials and craftsmanship speak to the labor involved. Chairs like this were often produced in workshops, where specialized artisans brought their skills together to create the finished product. The chair reflects a moment in design history when industrialization allowed for the wider production and consumption of stylish furnishings. Yet, at the same time, there’s an embrace of handcraft, seen in the details of the carving. This tension between machine-made and handmade is central to understanding the chair's cultural and social value. It wasn’t just a functional item; it was also a statement of taste and class.