Chair c. 17th century

Curator: Before us are two examples of a “Chair,” dating back to around the 17th century. They reside here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Crafted meticulously from wood, each chair tells a silent story. Editor: They look surprisingly uncomfortable, but undeniably solid. There’s a gravitas to the dark wood and the sturdy, almost squat construction. It makes me think about the lives lived around them. Curator: Indeed. These chairs, representative of medieval craftsmanship, are more than just functional objects. Think about the historical context; access to furniture like this would have signified a certain level of societal standing and power during the 17th century. It's a material signifier of social hierarchy. Editor: The symmetry is interesting; each element on the head of the chair has meaning and weight. They were clearly made with care; there's cultural information encoded in this type of art object. Perhaps they wanted a symbol of permanence. Curator: That's quite possible. Considering the rigid social structures and gender roles of the era, who might have sat in such a chair, and what would their day-to-day life have been like? Editor: Looking closer, I am struck by how deeply those rosettes are carved into the head of the chair. The artisan was really trying to leave a piece of their consciousness behind. They weren’t just carving forms; they were memorializing specific ideas in tangible forms that persist in our consciousness today. Curator: I completely agree. We have to think about their use; did specific gatherings of people impact the type of carving they selected to leave for posterity. It is interesting to also note how it invites viewers into contemplation. Editor: It is a conversation across centuries. Curator: Precisely. Each element seems deliberately designed to imbue meaning into domestic life. Editor: Well, considering it practically makes me consider that I would probably prefer the couch. All seriousness aside, It’s incredible how such utilitarian objects hold so much depth if we allow ourselves to perceive it.