Stoel met gebeeldhouwde vogel- en hondenkoppen 1907

Jan Frederik Staal made this chair with sculpted bird and dog heads, and it’s a trip, right? I can imagine him in his studio, wrestling with the wood, trying to find the perfect balance between function and form. What was he thinking when he carved those animal heads? Was it a commentary on society, a nod to nature, or just a bit of whimsy? I sympathize with him – when you’re making something, sometimes the material takes over, leading you down unexpected paths. And those wheels! I mean, they’re so practical, but they also add this layer of playfulness, as if the chair might just roll away on its own. It reminds me of some of the Bauhaus designers, who were also trying to marry art and industry, but with a touch of humor. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful piece of art.