Art Institute of Chicago

Chair

West Indies or Asia (possibly Dutch-colonized Indonesia)

Date

c. 1820-40

Medium

Mahogany, bamboo, and caning

Culture

West Indies

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The form of this chair is influenced by the neoclassical Empire style that prevailed in Europe and the United States at the beginning of the nineteenth century. However, it also displays a distinct aesthetic associated with Europe's tropical colonies. Its low height and slanted back were designed for easy leg elevation, necessary to reduce the swelling that was a common ailment caused by the heat. The caning on the seat and back, original to the chair, facilitated airflow and was resistant to tropical nuisances such as mold and insect infestation.

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