Art Nouveau Oak Chairs, 1890s, Set of 6

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A set of six oak dining chairs, stylistically belonging to the Art Nouveau period, dating from around 1900. The chairs … Read more A set of six oak dining chairs, stylistically belonging to the Art Nouveau period, dating from around 1900. The chairs exhibit a formally balanced combination of clear, structural design and ornamental details, lending the set a serene and cohesive aesthetic. Historical Context: Around 1900, Art Nouveau established itself in European furniture design as a reaction against the ornamental excess of Historicism. Dining chairs of this era were often produced as matching sets and were an integral part of bourgeois dining room furnishings. The combination of oak and leather or leatherette upholstery was a common standard for durable, prestigious furniture. Sets of six were typical for households that regularly entertained guests. Features: Carved headboard with volutes and stylized plant motifs, characteristic of floral Art Nouveau. Seat with a continuous row of decorative nails in light metal, framing and securing the upholstery. Art Nouveau design, circa 1900. The chairs structurally combine straight, angular legs and frames with a curved backrest. The back panel is divided into three vertical bars, profiled by a central crossbar. The headboard features shallow carvings with volutes and organic forms – typical of the transition from late Historicism to early Art Nouveau. The rear legs curve gently, while the front legs remain straight and angular. Overall, the set represents a formally simplified version of Art Nouveau with handcrafted decoration. Function: Formerly: Part of bourgeois dining room sets, for everyday use and social occasions. Today: Still usable as a complete set of dining chairs; also suitable as a design element in historically furnished rooms or as individual pieces. Dimensions: Height: 94 cm | Seat height: 45 cm | Width: 44 cm | Depth: 41 cm (dimensions per chair; all six chairs are identical). Material and condition: Frame made of solid oak. Seats upholstered in light brown faux leather with a decorative nailhead trim. Condition is commensurate with age; no precise information is available regarding any signs of wear on the upholstery. The wooden frame appears sturdy in the images and has a gentle patina. See less