Chair
Josef Hoffmann
(Austrian (born in Pirnitz, Moravia), 1870–1956)
Wiener Werkstätte
(1903–1932)
about 1903
Object PlaceAustria
Medium/TechniqueOak; leather upholstery
Dimensions91.4 x 46.4 cm (36 x 18 1/4 in.)
Credit LineWilliam E. Nickerson Fund
Accession number1987.188
On View
Not on viewClassificationsFurniture
Collections
Hoffman developed a severe geometric style in his furniture productions in the early twentieth century, eschewing any reference to the current Art Nouveau style. He was much influenced by the geometric designs, elongated forms, and pierced decoration of the great Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The dominant ornamental motif used by both designers was the square. The oak of this chair has been stained black and then painted with a lime solution to reveal the grain of the wood-one of Hoffman's most characteristic finishes.
Provenance1987, Barry Friedman, Ltd., New York; sold by Barry Friedman to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 23, 1987)
1695–1710
about 1650–1700
1665–80
1710–1730
about 1760
about 1700
about 1675