Artwork Page for Curule (Folding) Chair

Details / Information for Curule (Folding) Chair

Curule (Folding) Chair

c. 1450–1500

Italy, Florence?, 15th century

Medium
forged iron
Measurements
Overall: 106.7 x 63.5 x 54.6 cm (42 x 25 x 21 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1949.201
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This is a rare example of a Renaissance folding chair. It was intended to be lightweight and easily portable so that it could be folded and transported from room to room or even house to house. They were likely used in Italian homes, though they may have also been favored by scholars and clerics for use in their studies. Their portability also made them useful for extended travel. The fabric is a modern replacement.
An ornate, X-shaped forged iron chair features crimson velvet upholstery on a rectangular backrest strip and matching seat cushion. The dark metal frame is textured with gnarled, branch-like protrusions throughout. Two tall posts rise in back, topped with flat shields and tiered finials, while smooth spheres cap the curved armrests. Below, the curved metal frame rests on dark wooden runners terminating in carved animal paws.

Curule (Folding) Chair

c. 1450–1500

Italy, Florence?, 15th century

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