Folding armchair (sedia a Savonarola type)
Unknown Artist
15th century (textile); 19th century (chair, with earlier parts)
Medium
Walnut, turned and carved; silk
Dimensions
H. approx. 98.2 cm, W. 64 cm, D. 55.2 cm; Cushion: 36 x 40 cm.
Classification
Textiles-Velvets|Woodwork-Furniture
Culture
Italian
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1987 ab
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegance of Renaissance Italy with this folding armchair, as a *sedia a Savonar*. Exemplifying a classic X-frame design that folds for portability, it stands about 98 cm tall, crafted from walnut that's expertly turned and carved for both strength and ornamentation. The seat cushion, upholstered in luxurious 15th-century silk velvet, adds a touch of opulence, measuring 36 x 40 cm—perfect for a noble's repose or travel. Dating to the 19th century for the chair frame (with earlier incorporated parts), this piece bridges centuries of Italian craftsmanship. The walnut's turning tech...