Chair
c. 1936
Before he became a titan of mid-century modern design, George Nelson was busy sketching the past. This delicate study captures a classic Chippendale-style chair, featuring an intricate, ribbon-like wooden back and a floral upholstered seat pinned down with tiny nailheads. It is fascinating to see a pioneer of modernism meticulously documenting traditional 18th-century furniture forms around 1936, perhaps as part of his architectural studies in Europe. The rendering highlights the elegant proportions and craftsmanship of a bygone era, contrasting sharply with the sleek, minimalist furniture he would later invent.
Views: 8