Chair 1870

Christopher Dresser crafted this chair from cast iron and wood, an intriguing object that marries function with symbolic expression. The figure of Cupid, prominently displayed, strikes a poignant chord. Here, he is not the triumphant god of love but a melancholic figure, his bow cast aside, evoking a sense of love's potential for sorrow. Consider how Cupid, or Eros, has been represented across epochs—from the playful imp in Pompeian frescoes to the pensive adolescent of the Renaissance. This motif taps into a collective understanding of love's dual nature, its joys intertwined with inevitable pain. The Gothic-style arches supporting the seat further enrich the chair's symbolic vocabulary, harking back to an era of faith and craftsmanship. Their presence may unconsciously recall a sense of history, adding layers of emotional depth to what might otherwise be a purely functional piece. This chair is not merely furniture; it is a vessel laden with cultural memory.