East or West Indies, possibly Dutch-colonized Indonesia
● On view now — Galleries 231-233
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
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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Coromandel Coast, probably Madras (Chennai), India — Armchai
R. J. Horner and Company — Side Chair
Peter Bonnett Wight — Dining Room chair
Chinese — Chair (one of a pair)
Chinese — Chair (one of a pair)
Jacob Keller — Side Chair
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin — Side Chair
Georges Jacob — Armchair
Artist unknown — Side Chair
John Gaines, III — Side Chair
Artist unknown — Armchair
Artist unknown — Pair of Side Chairs