"Sitzmaschine" reclining armchair, model no. 670, c. 1905
Josef Hoffmann; Maker: Jacob & Josef Kohnexpand_more
Stained and laminated beechwood, brass, original cushionsexpand_more
The Modernism Collection, gift of Norwest Bank Minnesotaexpand_more 98.276.243
On View in Gallery 378expand_more
Notice the frame of the chair: single pieces of beech wood have been carefully manipulated to form a continuous support. Originally designed for patients at a nursing home, this recliner can be easily adjusted by moving a rod between the circular knobs on the back arms of the chair. Hoffmann created a chair that allows both its construction and function to be visible.
This Sitzmaschine (Sitting Machine) embodies the Wiener Werkstätte’s (Vienna Workshops’) emphasis on clean craftsmanship, geometric form, and material integrity.
Details
- Title
- "Sitzmaschine" reclining armchair, model no. 670
- Artist Life
- Austrian (born Czechoslovakia), 1870–1956
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 98.276.243
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.