Biedermeier Side Chair

Vienna, 1815
Walnut veneer with ebonized details and penwork

H: 36.5 inches W: 18 inches

This striking chair is virtually identical to one which belongs to the Museum of Decorative Arts in Vienna. The graceful, sinuous contour of the chair back is enlivened with ebonized and inlaid “trompe-l’oeil” details, and the deep upholstered seat is supported on slightly tapered legs, the front two of which are straight and the back two are curved outward.

For illustrations of similar pieces
see p. 112, Himmelheber and p. 71, Wilkie