Eiffel Tower Chair 1902

Carlo Bugatti made this Eiffel Tower Chair, and though we don’t know exactly when, it’s clear he used wood, paint and copper to make something totally unique! The pale cream background is brought to life by delicate details of gold leaf, and a restrained coral motif that feels both playful and elegant. There’s a pleasing contrast between the stark geometry of the chair's structure and the intricacy of its surface decoration. I’m drawn to the way the copper detailing is applied, particularly where it meets the floor. This reminds me of Gustav Klimt, who also used gold leaf to build decorative surface patterns. Bugatti plays with your expectations, creating a functional object that is also a pure aesthetic fantasy. In this way, he reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places. Ultimately the piece asks us to think about how art and design intersect, how functionality influences aesthetic choices, and vice versa.