Chinese Cane Chair c. 1936

Sebastian Simonet created this drawing of a 'Chinese Cane Chair' using graphite and white gouache. The chair's design immediately strikes one with its intricate structure. Notice how Simonet meticulously renders the woven cane, creating a texture that is almost palpable. The linear quality of the drawing, with its fine lines and detailed cross-hatching, gives the chair a sense of depth and form. The composition is symmetrical, lending a sense of balance and order to the piece. This drawing invites a deeper reading into its formal elements. The way Simonet uses line and texture mirrors the structuralist idea that underlying patterns and systems create meaning. The chair, as a functional object, is transformed into a study of form and material. Here, the play of lines becomes more than just representation; it's a semiotic system where each stroke contributes to the chair's identity. This approach invites us to see everyday objects through the lens of art, questioning fixed meanings and exploring new perspectives.