Side Chair 1935 - 1942

Hans Westendorff rendered this "Side Chair" in watercolor and graphite on paper. Westendorff, born in 1855, lived through a period of massive industrialization, and his detailed depiction of this chair invites us to consider the cultural and social meanings embedded in everyday objects. The chair, with its simple design and woven seat, speaks to a certain aesthetic valuing utility and craftsmanship. During Westendorff's time, there was a growing interest in folk art and traditional crafts, perhaps as a reaction against mass-produced goods. But who had access to these handmade items? And who was relegated to using the cheaper, factory-made alternatives? This image captures the dignity of labor and the beauty of simple forms. Yet, it also hints at the social hierarchies and economic realities that shape our material world. It asks us to consider the stories behind the objects we use and the lives they touch.