Side Chair 1730 - 1760

This side chair was made by an anonymous maker, probably in the 1700s, out of carved wood and upholstered fabric. The dark wood, carefully shaped into cabriole legs and a curved back, speaks to a time when furniture was not just functional but also a display of wealth and status. Look at the way the maker has skillfully sculpted the wood. It is a testament to handcraft and artistry. The upholstered seat, a burst of red against the dark wood, adds comfort and a touch of luxury. But it's not just about aesthetics. Consider the labor involved in creating such a piece. From felling the tree to the final polish, many hands were likely involved. The chair embodies a whole social structure of production and consumption. This chair invites us to consider not just what we see, but how it was made, and what that making tells us about society and culture.