Chair
late 19th century
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
In the mid- and late nineteenth century, designers looked to nature in all its shapes for inspiration. This remarkable chair represents a sea serpent. The highly articulated spine, beginning at the top of the chair with the creature’s tail, forms the seat, while the central pedestal foot depicts the carved, grinning head of the serpent. Wings support the rest of the weight of the chair.
Caption
Chair, late 19th century. Wood, 57 x 19 1/2 x 35 1/2 in. (144.8 x 49.5 x 90.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Newman, 1992.205.4. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at